Why does my infant have such bad flakes and scales off over her scalp? how do i treat this?

Cradle Cap: If you go to the Mayo Clinic...http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cradle-cap/basics/definition/con-20032328 They provide very good information Dr. Kirsh

Normal variation: Cradle cap occurs when normal aging skin cells fail to shead from the scalp in infants.Moms typicly use mild shampoos to avoid eye irritation but these shampoos do not have the chemicals needed to break up skin oils.Some infants have thicker skin oil which acts like glue & prevents skin cells from separating.Dandruf shampoos+soft cuticle brushes used regularly will solve this problem.

Seborrhea: without seeing the condition it sounds like seborrhea, a common scalp condition The flakiness and scaling is caused by excessive oil building up on the scalp Treatment consists of coating the scalp with baby oil on days when you're washing her hair. P the oil on and rub it in about 1 -2 hours prior to washing. After the hair wash use fingernails or a fine comb to gently scrape the scalp

Cradle cap: This is a very common scalp condition that is not serious. It is known also as infantile seborrheic dermatitis. Here is a good review of causes and treatment. http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/cradle_cap.html

Seborrheic dermatiti: It sounds like pronounced dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, cradle cap, which is common in infants and will cause greasy yellowish-white scales. You can use olive oil on the scalp and comb out the flakes until see by your pediatrician to rule out other causes or prescribe medication. No dandruff shampoos or ointments until your pediatrician examines your infant. Synagis (palivizumab) shots for RSV in premie?

Seborrheic: Dermatitis. This is often present in infants and the best news is that it will get better. Shampoos, such as Nizoral often help remove there scales. Emollients such as Eucerin, cetaphil and aveeno (oatmeal) and others may help to protect the dry porous skin. Keep fingernails covered to prevent scratching. Sometimes steroid creams are used but they can cause thickening of the skin. All the best.

Cradle cap: Sounds like classic cradle cap. Very common in infancy. Nothing to be alarmed about. Rub baby oil in the scalp before a bath and take a fine comb and brush it out. Wash it off in the bath.

Seborrheic capitis: Sounds possibly like seborrheic capitis. This is a common condition in an infant and typically will resolve over time. There are many theories as to what causes this but nobody knows with certainty. Moisturizing, combing scales out with fine comb, using hydrocortisone 1% cream, all these things help. If you try these for a week and not improving then follow up with pediatrician.

Scalp problem: You may have seborrhoic dermatitis try using an antifungal shampoo