What should you know about cradle cap forehead newborn?

Cradle cap is infantile seborrheic dermatitis. It commonly affects the scalp but can extend toward the hairline, forehead, eyebrows, or behind the ears. The skin may show yellowish scale, mild redness, or dry-looking flakes. This appearance is different from a wound; the area should not be persistently sore, blistered, or weeping.

Keep the forehead clean with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser when needed. If scale is attached, a thin layer of a plain emollient can soften it before gentle wiping. Keep products away from the eyes and avoid scraping with a fingernail. If the skin remains inflamed, ask a clinician whether [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) or [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/) has a role.

Contact a clinician if the forehead rash spreads quickly, becomes warm or swollen, cracks, bleeds, develops yellow discharge, or seems painful. Medical review is also sensible if your newborn has a fever, feeds poorly, is unusually sleepy, or the rash involves the eyelids. These features need assessment rather than home scale removal.

Ask whether the forehead changes fit cradle cap or another newborn rash. Confirm which cleanser and moisturiser are suitable near the eyes, and ask how to recognise irritation from a product.