Seborrheic dermatitis is also known as cradle cap in babies. Adults can also present with the dry, flaky skin associated with the condition. The condition is fairly common in babies less than 3 months of age and is more common in adult men than women.
There is no known cause for seborrheic dermatitis. There is reason to believe that changes in hormone levels can cause seborrheic dermatitis. During pregnancy, women will undergo huge hormonal changes which can be the reason for the sudden occurrence of seborrheic dermatitis.
Treatments for seborrheic dermatitis will depend upon the location of the break out. For break outs on the scalp, medicated shampoos can be used to eliminate the dry, flaky skin that often looks like dandruff. Aside from the medication shampoos, the scalp can be treated with steroids. Steroids are not approved for use in pregnant women, so this treatment may be postponed until after the baby is born.
Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis in babies is the same as adult treatment with scalp shampoos being used as a first treatment and mild steroid creams being prescribed if the seborrheic dermatitis occurs on the skin in places other than the scalp.
It is important to change shampooing and styling habits if seborrheic dermatitis becomes a problem for the pregnant woman. Using styling products and harsh shampoos can lead to further aggravation of the scalp. Whenever possible, the natural oils of the scalp should be left in place every few days to moisturize the scalp naturally as soaps tend to dry out the skin.