Cradle cap and eczema: what to know

Cradle cap often produces greasy yellow or white scale on the scalp and may not bother the baby much. Eczema commonly causes dry, rough, red or darker patches with itching, and it may involve the cheeks, body, or skin folds. A baby can have both conditions, so appearance alone does not settle the diagnosis. Cracked or weeping skin needs a clinician's review.

Keep baths short and use lukewarm water with a fragrance-free cleanser. Apply a plain moisturiser to dry skin as advised. For attached scalp scale, ask about [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) and loosen flakes gently rather than scraping. If the clinician identifies seborrheic dermatitis, [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/) may be discussed. Avoid fragranced products.

Arrange medical care for intense itching, sleep disruption, rapidly spreading redness, blisters, yellow crust, oozing, swelling, fever, or skin that becomes painful. Review is also useful when a baby's rash keeps returning or does not improve with gentle skin care, because eczema and infection may need different treatment.

Ask whether the rash is mainly cradle cap, eczema, or both; which moisturiser and cleanser fit your baby's skin; how to handle scalp scale; and which symptoms suggest infection.