cradle cap on a 5-year-old?

looking for some advice here. DS, age 5, has developed a really flaky scalp that looks a bit like cradle cap (kind of brown and mottled-looking, but not crusts like on a baby IYKWIM). it could be dandruff, but it looks a bit more extreme to me. it developed from one little patch and has now spread across his head.

anyone's child had a similar problem? i really need to treat it but i'm not sure how. any gentle/natural ideas, before i move on to asking the doctor or pharmacist? i use gaia baby shampoo on his head - perhaps i should get something a bit more heavy duty?

thanks in advance!

I noticed the same on my 5yo niece when i saw her last but im not sure if its being treated or not. I would maybe go to the chemist and ask the pharmicist just incase some of the heavy duty might be too harsh on their skin.

It could just be a bit of dandruff, or dermatitis or even possibly psoriasis. if they look like flakes or scales, you could try using a bit of warm olive/baby oil (I prefer olive oil as there are no other chemicals) and rub it into his scalp and leave for a few hours/overnight, then give a light, gentle comb to loosen all the scales off and then a really good wash with shampoo to remove the oil. Does he complain that it is itchy at all? If it is then it could be a dermatitis or psoriasis. It possibly wouldn't hurt either to get a Dr to check it out JIC it is a fungal infection as well. If you don't think it warrants seeing a Dr, go to your pharmacist as they should be able to advise you on what it is and give you an over the counter cream or recommend a shampoo/lotion. If it is beyond their expertise then they will say to take him to your Dr.

Thanks for your replies - I'll see how we go with a bit of olive oil (might use the cradle cap mix i made up for the little one last year), then try the doctor.