What should you know about cradle cap in forehead?

You may see flaky or greasy scale at the hairline, between the eyebrows or on nearby forehead skin. Mild redness can accompany it. The border may look more noticeable after washing or when scales dry. Cradle cap is not a sign that the child has failed to wash properly, and it is not normally passed to other people.

Use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, keeping products away from the eyes. If scale is firmly attached, soften it briefly with a child-suitable emollient and wipe lightly; never scrape it with a fingernail. Stop a product that stings or makes redness worse. A healthcare professional may suggest Emollient Therapy or Topical Antifungal Treatment when the rash is persistent or more inflamed.

Contact a clinician if forehead skin becomes painful, hot, swollen, cracked, crusted with discharge or associated with fever. Advice is also sensible when the rash reaches the eyelids, affects vision, spreads beyond typical areas, or does not settle with gentle care. Eye-area skin needs particular caution because many scalp products are unsuitable near the eyes.

Ask whether the forehead changes are cradle cap or eczema, what may safely touch the hairline, and how close any treatment can go to the eyes. Tell the clinician whether the child is rubbing the area or has scale on the scalp, ears or eyebrows.