What does cradle cap look like?

The scales may cling to the skin rather than fall away like ordinary dry flakes. Patches can be thin and scattered or form a thicker crust over the scalp. Cradle cap may also appear around the hairline, behind the ears, or on the eyebrows. It is usually not caused by poor hygiene, and an infant may seem comfortable even when the scale looks prominent. A rash that is very itchy, painful, swollen, weeping, or spreading needs a different assessment because several infant skin conditions can resemble one another.

Wash the scalp with a mild baby cleanser, rinse well, and pat it dry. If the scale is thick, a clinician may suggest softening it with an appropriate emollient before washing; loose scale can then be lifted gently with a soft brush. Do not pick, scratch, or pull at attached crusts, since this can irritate the skin and cause small breaks. Keep products away from the eyes and stop if the skin becomes redder. If simple care does not settle the patches, ask about emollient therapy or another treatment suited to your baby.

Arrange medical advice if the rash bleeds, oozes, develops pus, smells unusual, becomes tender, or extends quickly beyond the usual areas. Seek prompt care if your baby seems unwell, has a fever, or is feeding poorly. A clinician can check whether the appearance fits cradle cap and decide whether a treatment such as topical antifungal treatment is appropriate.

Could this scale be another infant rash? Which cleanser or emollient is suitable for this age? Should we treat the scalp or any patches behind the ears and on the eyebrows? What changes would mean we should return?