Cradle Cap That Persists at Six Months

Do not pick firmly attached scales or use adult dandruff products without medical guidance. If the scalp is very red, wet, painful or spreading beyond the usual greasy flakes, the baby should be examined for another or additional skin problem.

Cradle cap, also called infantile seborrheic dermatitis, typically produces greasy yellowish or pale scale on the scalp. The skin beneath may be mildly pink, and similar scaling can appear around the eyebrows, behind the ears or in skin folds. It is usually less intensely itchy than eczema.

Thick scale does not mean the scalp is dirty. A very itchy baby, broken skin, circular hair-loss patches, widespread dry inflammation or a rash concentrated in the nappy area may indicate a different condition that needs assessment.

Before washing, apply a small amount of plain baby-safe emollient to the scaly area to soften it. After a short contact period, massage gently and lift loosened flakes with a soft baby brush. Wash with mild baby shampoo and rinse thoroughly so residue does not remain on the scalp.

Keep oil and emollient away from the baby's eyes and mouth, and stop if the skin becomes more irritated. Never scrape with a fingernail or comb, because damaged skin can become inflamed or infected. If simple care is not enough, a clinician may recommend a targeted medicated product after checking the diagnosis.

Contact a clinician if scaling is worsening, repeatedly returns despite gentle care, spreads widely, or seems very itchy or painful. Weeping, pus, crusting, unpleasant odour, warmth, swelling, bleeding or increasing redness can signal damaged or infected skin and should be assessed promptly.

Seek urgent care if the baby has fever, seems unusually sleepy, feeds poorly or looks generally unwell. A clinician can distinguish cradle cap from eczema, infection and other scaly conditions, then advise whether emollient therapy or a topical antifungal treatment is suitable.

Ask whether the appearance is still typical of cradle cap, how often to wash and soften the scale, and which specific products are safe near the baby's face. If treatment is prescribed, confirm where it should be applied, how long it should stay on and what irritation means you should stop.