Cradle cap in an 18-month-old

Cradle cap is the familiar name for infantile seborrheic dermatitis. At this age, similar-looking scale can also come from eczema, psoriasis, irritation, or a scalp infection, so appearance and associated symptoms matter.

Typical cradle cap produces greasy or dry flakes with yellowish or pale scale. The skin beneath may look mildly pink, and the child is often otherwise comfortable. Marked itching, broken hairs, circular patches, swelling, weeping, or thick plaques are less typical and can point to another diagnosis.

Scaling around the eyebrows, behind the ears, or in skin folds can accompany seborrheic dermatitis. A clinician may examine the distribution and check whether scratching, infection, or another inflammatory skin condition is present.

Wash the scalp with a mild, fragrance-free baby shampoo and loosen softened flakes gently with a soft brush. Do not pick attached scale, because this can break the skin. A small amount of plain emollient may help soften stubborn scale; wash it out afterward and stop if irritation develops.

Avoid adult dandruff products, essential oils, and medicated creams unless a clinician recommends a product suitable for the child’s age and explains where and how to use it.

Arrange an appointment if the scale persists despite gentle care, causes significant itching, spreads beyond usual areas, or comes with hair loss. Seek prompt care for increasing redness, warmth, tenderness, pus, crusting with fluid, fever, or a child who seems unwell. Rapid facial swelling or breathing difficulty needs emergency help.

Ask whether the pattern still fits cradle cap, whether eczema or fungal infection needs consideration, which shampoo or topical treatment is appropriate for this age, and how long to try it before returning. Mention every product already applied and any change in sleep, scratching, hair, or feeding.