Black cradle cap: what the colour can mean

It is usually recognised by adherent, greasy scales on an otherwise comfortable baby's scalp. A dark crust caused by bleeding, injury or infection can look similar, so the skin underneath matters more than the colour alone.

Cradle cap, also called infantile seborrheic dermatitis, produces yellow, brown or dark greasy scale. The shade varies with scale thickness, natural skin tone, hair products and small amounts of trapped debris.

Marked redness, tenderness, broken skin, wetness or pus is not explained by simple colour variation. Ring-shaped hair loss, widespread rash or significant itch may point toward another scalp condition that needs examination.

Soften scales with a baby-safe emollient, then wash with a mild fragrance-free baby shampoo. Once loosened, lift flakes gently with a soft brush; stop if the scalp becomes sore or bleeds.

Do not pick firmly attached crusts or apply adult dandruff products, essential oils or antifungal medicine without pediatric guidance. Keep the product away from the baby's eyes and wash it out as directed.

Contact a clinician promptly if the baby has fever, seems unwell, has rapidly spreading redness, swelling, pus, a foul smell, blisters, bleeding without picking or pain when the scalp is touched.

Arrange a non-urgent review if home care irritates the scalp, the crusting persists or spreads to the face and body, hair comes out in patches, or you are unsure whether the material is scale or a healing wound.

You can ask whether the appearance fits cradle cap, which emollient and shampoo are suitable for your baby's age, how to protect broken skin, and whether inflammation or yeast-related changes warrant a prescribed topical treatment.