What should you know about cradle cap picking?

Cradle cap, also called infantile seborrheic dermatitis, produces flaky or greasy scale on the scalp. The scale may look ready to lift, but pulling it away can remove delicate surface skin with it. That may lead to redness, tenderness, oozing, or crusting. Scratching and picking can also spread irritation to nearby areas. Cradle cap itself is not usually caused by poor hygiene, and a baby may not seem bothered by it.

Wash the scalp with a mild baby cleanser, then gently massage rather than scrape. A clinician may suggest an emollient to soften stubborn scale; see Emollient Therapy for general treatment information. Once softened, use a soft baby brush to lift only the flakes that come away easily. Stop if the skin becomes red, raw, or wet. Do not use fingernails, comb forcefully, or apply adult dandruff products unless a clinician specifically advises them. Wash hands before and after scalp care.

Arrange medical advice if the scalp bleeds after picking, develops pus, increasing warmth, marked swelling, or spreading redness, or seems painful. Seek prompt care if your baby is feverish, unusually sleepy, feeding poorly, or generally unwell. A clinician can check whether the appearance is still consistent with cradle cap and whether another condition or treatment is involved.

Ask whether the scale should be softened, which product is suitable for your baby's age, and how often to wash the scalp. If scale persists or inflammation is prominent, ask whether Topical Antifungal Treatment is appropriate and how it should be used.