Skip to main content

We make finding a doctor in the UAE free, transparent, and easy.

What should you know about cradle cap in malay?

How the structures involved in Cradle Cap differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Cradle Cap differ from normal

Short answer

In Malay, cradle cap is commonly described as kerak kepala bayi, a mild scalp condition with greasy or flaky scale.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Malay term
Kerak kepala bayi
Other name
Infantile seborrheic dermatitis
Care principle
Soften scale and remove it gently

Meaning and appearance

Cradle cap is also called infantile seborrheic dermatitis. It may appear as white, yellow or brown scale on the scalp, hairline, eyebrows or behind the ears. Mild redness can occur. The condition is linked with oil and normal skin yeast, not a child being unclean, and it is not usually contagious. It may be more visible when scale dries or sticks to hair.

Gentle care

Clean the scalp with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water. Soften stuck scale with a suitable emollient, then lift only the loose flakes using a soft cloth or brush. Avoid picking, vigorous rubbing, fragranced mixtures and adult dandruff products unless a clinician advises them. Persistent or inflamed areas may need Emollient Therapy or Topical Antifungal Treatment.

When to get medical advice

Have the child assessed if the scalp is painful, hot, swollen, bleeding, wet or producing pus, or if fever or unusual tiredness develops. Seek advice for intense itching, rapid spread, bald patches, eye involvement or a rash that does not improve with gentle care. These changes can require treatment for infection or a different skin condition.

Questions for your doctor

Ask the clinician to confirm whether the rash is cradle cap, explain which Malay or English product instructions apply, and identify what is safe near the eyes. Share any scratching, discharge, new shampoo or home mixture used on the scalp.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

What does kerak kepala bayi mean?

It means baby scalp crust or scale and is a common Malay description of cradle cap.

Is cradle cap a hygiene problem?

No. It is related to scalp oil and normal skin yeast rather than poor washing.

Related

Related reading

Keep reading

More on this

Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.