What should you know about cradle cap wash hair everyday?

Cradle cap is infantile seborrheic dermatitis, which causes scale that may be dry, greasy or stuck to the scalp. Washing can remove loose flakes and product residue, but vigorous rubbing or strong fragrance can irritate already sensitive skin. The best routine depends on the baby’s scalp, hair texture and whether cleanser leaves dryness or redness. More washing does not necessarily remove attached crusts safely.

Use lukewarm water and a mild baby cleanser, massage with fingertips rather than nails, and rinse thoroughly. Pat dry and brush only loosened scale with a soft brush. If the scalp feels dry, a clinician may suggest an emollient to soften scale before washing. Stop any product that causes burning or increasing redness. Ongoing inflammation may need assessment and, in selected cases, topical antifungal treatment.

Seek medical advice if daily washing makes the scalp more irritated, or if the rash remains thick, spreads or keeps returning. Redness with swelling, pain, cracks, bleeding, pus or bad smell needs an examination. Prompt advice is needed if the baby has fever, appears unwell or feeds poorly. These signs call for diagnosis rather than a stronger washing routine.

Ask how often to wash for the baby’s scalp and hair type, which cleanser is mild enough, and whether an emollient should be used before washing. Ask how to recognise irritation from a product and when to return for review.