lanugo hair - #17325

Aubrey

A few months ago, I noticed my newborn had a fine layer of soft, thin hair covering her back, shoulders, and even parts of her face. At first, I thought it was normal baby hair, but when I asked my doctor, they said it’s called lanugo hair. They explained that lanugo hair is common in premature babies, but my baby was born full-term, so I wasn’t expecting this. The doctor said it usually falls off on its own within a few weeks, but now my baby is three months old, and she still has a lot of lanugo hair on her body. I can’t help but wonder—why is it taking so long to disappear? Could this be a sign of an underlying health issue? I started looking into natural remedies to help the process, and I found that in Ayurveda, gentle oil massages with almond oil or coconut oil are recommended for newborns to help improve skin health. Would an Ayurvedic oil massage help with lanugo hair removal, or should I just wait for it to shed naturally? Also, I’ve read that excessive lanugo hair in adults can sometimes be linked to hormonal imbalances or conditions like anorexia. If this type of hair doesn’t fall off in babies, could it mean there’s a metabolic or hormonal issue? I just want to make sure everything is normal. Is there anything I should avoid doing, like certain soaps or lotions that could make lanugo hair stick around longer? And if it’s taking too long to shed, should I be concerned, or is it just a matter of patience? Has anyone else had a baby with lanugo hair that lasted longer than expected? Did you do anything to help it go away, or did it eventually fall out on its own?

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Dr. Harsha Joy

Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.

165 days ago

4.83

Lanugo hair is common in newborns, and it is a natural part of their development, typically shedding within the first few months of life. In Ayurveda, gentle oil massages with coconut or almond oil are beneficial for promoting healthy skin and circulation, and they can be soothing for your baby. While the oil massage may not speed up the shedding of lanugo hair directly, it can improve overall skin health and support the natural process of hair loss. Lanugo often falls off without intervention, and its persistence can simply be due to the individual development of the baby, without indicating any underlying health concern. However, if the lanugo hair persists beyond the expected period or if there are other concerns, it would be worth discussing with your pediatrician again. It’s best to avoid harsh soaps or lotions that could irritate the baby’s sensitive skin, as this may disrupt the natural shedding process. Generally, patience is key, and in most cases, the lanugo will eventually fall off on its own.

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Dr. Ayush Varma

Graduating with an MD in Ayurvedic Medicine from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2008, he brings over 15 years of expertise in integrative healthcare. Specializing in complex chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes, and digestive health, he uses a patient-centered approach that focuses on root causes. Certified in Panchakarma Therapy and Rasayana (rejuvenation), he is known for combining traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern diagnostics. Actively involved in research, he has contributed to studies on Ayurveda’s role in managing diabetes, stress, and immunity. A sought-after speaker at wellness conferences, he practices at a reputable Ayurvedic wellness center, dedicated to advancing Ayurveda’s role in holistic health and preventive care.

159 days ago

4.95

First, it’s important to acknowledge your concerns regarding your newborn’s lanugo hair. Lanugo is common and usually expected to shed within a few weeks to months after birth. In full-term babies, if it persists beyond this timeframe, it typically isn’t indicative of a serious health issue but may require observation.
In Ayurveda, gentle oil massages are beneficial for improving skin health and promoting circulation. Almond oil and coconut oil are excellent choices, as they nourish the skin without being harsh. Here’s a tailored approach for your baby:
1. Oil Massage: Perform a gentle oil massage daily using warm almond or coconut oil. Use your fingertips to massage in small, circular motions. This should be done for about 5-10 minutes before bath time. The warmth of the oil will not only nourish her skin but may also assist in the natural shedding process of the lanugo.
2. Bathing: Use a mild, natural soap formulated for babies, avoiding harsh chemicals or fragrances that can irritate the skin. A gentle herbal powder like chickpea flour (besan) mixed with water can also be a soothing wash, helping to cleanse the skin without drying it out.
3. Environment: Ensure your baby is in a comfortable environment, avoiding excess heat and humidity, which could affect skin and hair health.
4. Patience: While it is concerning that the lanugo hasn’t shed yet, it’s typically a matter of time. If the hair does not start to decrease significantly in the coming weeks or if you notice other signs (like skin irritation or feeding issues), it’s advisable to consult your pediatrician for a thorough evaluation.
Regarding your concerns about potential hormonal issues, prolonged lanugo itself in infants generally does not indicate hormonal dysfunction. It’s more common in babies born prematurely. However, monitoring for any developmental milestones and overall health is prudent.
Avoid using heavy lotions or oils with synthetic ingredients, as they may interfere with the skin’s natural processes. Continue observing and nurturing your little one, and trust that the body will naturally resolve this. If you remain concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for reassurance.

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