What should you know about cradle cap at 1 year?

Cradle cap is infantile seborrheic dermatitis. It often causes scale on the scalp, eyebrows, or skin folds, and some children still have patches around their first birthday. The flakes may be white, yellow, or greasy, with redness underneath.

At this age, rubbing, drooling, food contact, eczema, or irritation from hair and skin products can add to the redness. Persistence alone does not identify the cause, so the pattern, itch, tenderness, and response to gentle care are useful details for a clinician.

Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water. Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it, and soften loose scale with a suitable plain emollient if advised. Never peel attached flakes. Keep nails short if your child scratches, and rinse away food or saliva from affected folds. A clinician can explain whether [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) is enough or whether [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/) is appropriate.

Book an assessment if the rash is spreading, very itchy, painful, cracked, wet, foul-smelling, or not settling with gentle care. Seek prompt help for fever, marked swelling, pus, or a child who seems unusually unwell. A clinician should also review hair loss, thick plaques, or a rash that looks unlike the child's usual cradle cap.

Ask whether the appearance still fits cradle cap at this age, whether another condition should be considered, and which products are suitable for your child's scalp and skin. Mention itch, scratching, new products, and any areas beyond the scalp.