HomeAnswersDermatologycradle capMy newborn has a smelly mucous discharge from his ear. Please help.

How to treat smelly mucus from the ear in a newborn?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At April 9, 2024
Reviewed AtApril 12, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My newborn son has no hair on his head. There are scars and flakes of skin on his head. He is always crying and has smelly ear mucous. I use a shampoo and oil of a known brand to clean the area daily.

Please help.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

But based on your description, your baby may have a medical condition called cradle cap, which is a common skin condition that affects infants. The cradle cap appears as scaly, flaky patches on the scalp. It is typically caused by an overproduction of oil in the skin. The hair loss and scars on the head may be due to medical procedures or conditions that occurred during birth or delivery. It is best to consult with your baby's pediatrician to determine the cause of these symptoms and to receive appropriate treatment recommendations.

The smelly ear mucus could be a sign of an ear infection, which is a common condition in infants. Ear infections can cause discomfort, fever, and hearing loss if left untreated. It is important to have your baby's ears examined by a healthcare provider if you suspect an ear infection or if you notice any unusual symptoms related to their ears.

In the meantime, you can try gently washing your baby's scalp with a mild shampoo to help remove the flakes and soothe any irritation. It is also important to keep your baby's ears clean and dry to prevent infection. Your pediatrician can provide additional guidance on how to manage these symptoms and promote your baby's overall health and well-being. The treatment for cradle cap typically involves regular washing of the scalp with a mild shampoo to help remove the flakes and soothe any irritation. I suggest some steps you can follow:

1. Wet your baby's hair and scalp with warm water.

2. Apply a small amount of mild baby shampoo to your baby's scalp.

3. Gently massage the shampoo into the scalp, focusing on the areas with flakes.

4. Rinse the shampoo thoroughly with warm water.

5. Pat your baby's head dry with a soft towel.

6. Apply a moisturizer or olive oil to your baby's scalp to help soothe any irritation and prevent further flaking.

7. Repeat this process once or twice a week or as needed until the cradle cap improves.

For ear infections, your pediatrician may recommend antibiotics or other medication to help treat the infection and alleviate any discomfort or fever. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully and complete the full course of treatment, even if your baby seems to be feeling better. This will help ensure that the infection is fully resolved and prevent future infections from occurring.

I hope this information helps provide some insight into your symptoms.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vandana Andrews
Dr. Vandana Andrews

General Practitioner

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