Cradle cap is a common, harmless skin condition common in babies. The medical term for cradle cap is seborrheic dermatitis.
Cradle cap often begins in the first few weeks of a child’s life. It usually clears up on its own by 9 -12
months of age, but there are things you can do to try and make it better. The exact cause of cradle cap is
not known. Hormones from the mother are thought to stimulate the baby’s oil glands in the skin which
then release more oil than necessary.
Cradle cap appears as red patches with oily, yellow scales (or even crusts) on the scalp. The crusts can
flake and make the skin look red. Seborrheic dermatitis can sometimes appear on other parts of the
body, like the eyebrows, nose and nappy area.
Cradle cap is not itchy or painful and does not bother your baby. Do not scratch or pluck the scales; it may lead to bleeding or infection.
How to manage Cradle Cap?
Here are some simple solutions to clear the rash:
1. Wash your baby’s hair regularly with baby shampoo and gently loosen flakes with a soft brush.
2. Gently rub on warm baby oil or a vegetable oil (such as olive oil) to soften the crusts before bath.
3. See your healthcare provider if
• the cradle cap is all over your baby’s body
• the crusts leak fluid or bleed
• the affected areas look swollen
4. In such cases an antibiotic cream or a mild topical corticosteroid cream may be prescribed as needed.
