What should you know about cradle cap in hair?

Flakes may cling to strands because oil and skin scale collect at the scalp. They can look white, yellow or brown, and the underlying skin may be mildly red. Hair itself is not diseased, and temporary shedding of a few hairs can happen if thick scale is pulled away, so forceful removal is best avoided. Cradle cap does not mean the scalp is dirty.

Wash gently with a mild shampoo and rinse thoroughly. After softening attached scale with a suitable emollient, use a soft brush to move flakes away from the roots without tugging. Do not use a comb to pry off hard crusts, and avoid fragranced oils or adult dandruff products unless a clinician recommends them. Persistent inflammation may need Emollient Therapy or Topical Antifungal Treatment.

Get medical advice for bleeding, pus, marked swelling, pain, warmth, fever or a strong smell from the scalp. Arrange an assessment if there are sharply defined patches, broken hairs, bald areas, intense itching or no improvement with gentle measures. Those signs can resemble infection, eczema or another scalp problem rather than uncomplicated cradle cap.

Ask which brush, shampoo or scale-softening product suits your child’s age, and whether any hair loss is from pulling or needs examination. Mention the location of the scale, how long it has been present, and whether the scalp is sore or wet.