Cradle cap and olive oil: what to know

Cradle cap is infantile seborrheic dermatitis, with scale that may be greasy, yellow, or white. An oil can loosen surface flakes, but leaving an oily layer on the scalp may worsen irritation or make scale harder to wash away. A baby's skin is also more sensitive to fragranced or mixed products. Olive oil does not treat every cause of a crusty scalp, so persistent redness or soreness should not be managed only at home.

Use a mild fragrance-free shampoo and lukewarm water. If scale is firmly attached, ask about a plain [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) product and how long it should remain before washing. Brush loosened flakes softly; do not pick. If the appearance suggests seborrheic dermatitis that needs medicine, a clinician may consider [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/). Stop any product that causes redness or discomfort.

Seek advice for bleeding, open skin, pus, swelling, strong redness, pain, fever, or a rash spreading beyond the scalp. Arrange a review if flakes are thick and persistent, the baby is very itchy, or the scalp does not improve with gentle washing. These findings may need a different diagnosis or treatment.

Ask whether olive oil is suitable for your baby's scalp, which product can soften the scale, how to wash it out, and which changes mean you should stop home care.