Cradle cap on eyebrows: what parents should know

Cradle cap, or infantile seborrheic dermatitis, can affect oily skin beyond the scalp. On the eyebrows it may look like white or yellow flakes, a slightly greasy film, or pink skin between the hairs. It can affect one or both eyebrows and may continue toward the forehead, nose, or hairline. A baby may not be bothered by it. Because the eyebrows are close to the eyes, rubbing, peeling, and strong products can cause extra irritation or accidental eye exposure.

Wash your hands, then gently clean the brow area with lukewarm water and a mild fragrance-free cleanser. Keep cleanser out of the eyes, pat dry, and use a tiny amount of plain infant moisturiser on the skin rather than coating the eyelashes; Emollient Therapy offers broader moisturising guidance. Do not scrape scale with a nail, comb, or brush. Avoid essential oils and adult anti-dandruff products. If the rash is persistent, a clinician can decide whether Topical Antifungal Treatment fits the baby's age and the area involved.

Have the area assessed if the eyelid becomes red or swollen, the eye looks irritated, the skin is painful, cracked, bleeding, or weeping, or the rash spreads rapidly. Seek prompt advice if your baby cannot open the eye comfortably, seems unwell, or has fever. A rash affecting the eyelids may need a different approach from ordinary cradle cap.

Is the skin around the eye involved, or is the scale limited to the eyebrow? Which moisturiser can I use safely near the eye? What should I do if scale returns after washing?