What should you know about cradle cap prescription?

Cradle cap is a form of infantile seborrheic dermatitis. It often appears as greasy or dry scale on the scalp, sometimes with mild redness. A clinician may review the scalp when the scale is thick, symptoms extend beyond the scalp, or home care has not helped. The choice of treatment depends on the baby's age, the appearance of the skin, and whether there are signs of infection or another rash. A prescription is not automatically needed for every case.

Follow the prescriber's instructions for where to apply the medicine, how much to use, and how long to continue. Keep products away from the eyes and mouth, and wash your hands before and after application. Do not substitute adult scalp products or use a sibling's medicine. Gentle washing and softening may remain part of care; an emollient can help loosen scale when recommended. For background on that approach, see Emollient Therapy. If the skin becomes more irritated, stop and contact the prescriber for advice rather than adding another product.

Contact the clinician if the rash spreads quickly, becomes raw, swollen, hot, painful, or produces fluid or pus. Prompt medical assessment is needed if the baby has fever, reduced feeding, unusual sleepiness, or appears seriously unwell. If the prescription does not seem to help or causes a new reaction, report the change and bring the product packaging to the appointment.

Ask what the medicine is treating, where it can be applied, and what improvement should look like. Check whether an emollient or Topical Antifungal Treatment is suitable, and ask what to do if scale returns after the prescribed course.