What should you know about brown cradle cap?

The scalp may have brown, yellow, grey, or white flakes, greasy scale, and mild redness that is easier to see after the scale lifts. Cradle cap commonly stays on the scalp, hairline, or eyebrows and may cause little discomfort. A very itchy rash, broken skin, oozing, foul smell, or similar patches beyond the scalp can point to another problem, including infection or eczema.

Massage a small amount of plain emollient into the scale, leave it briefly to soften, then wash with a mild baby shampoo. Use a soft brush only when the scale is loose; never pick or scrape it. Keep the product away from the eyes and stop if the skin becomes irritated. A clinician may advise Emollient Therapy, and selected cases may need Topical Antifungal Treatment.

Contact a clinician if the scalp is very red, painful, swollen, cracked, wet, bleeding, or producing pus, or if your baby seems unwell. Arrange advice when scale spreads quickly, causes intense itching, affects feeding or sleep, or does not improve with gentle care. Avoid medicated creams or essential oils unless an infant-care professional recommends them.

Ask whether the appearance fits cradle cap, how often to wash the scalp, which emollient is suitable, and what signs would mean that infection or eczema needs examination.