What should you know about cradle cap in malay?
Updated

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 Dubai
That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Dubai.
The Court Residence, 39B Street, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Accepts: Tabby, Tamara
Elite Business Bay Residence - Shop 03 & 04, 34 Marasi Dr - Business Bay - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Tabby
Airport View Building, Al Garhoud, Dubai
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +25 more
IBIS Building, 5th Floor, Unit 5003, Deira, Dubai
Accepts: AXA, Cigna, MetLife, Allianz Care +18 more
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 UAE health regulators' public 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.
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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.