What should you know about crusty cradle cap?

Cradle cap commonly appears as yellowish, white or brown scale on the scalp. It may look thick or stuck to the skin, yet many babies are otherwise comfortable. It can also affect areas with skin folds or oil glands. It is not caused by poor hygiene, and forcefully lifting scale can make the scalp sore or create small breaks in the skin.

Wash the scalp with a mild baby cleanser, then soften loose scale with a small amount of a suitable emollient before gentle brushing if your clinician agrees. Do not scratch, pick or use adult dandruff products without advice. Emollient Therapy may be discussed when scale is stubborn. A clinician may consider Topical Antifungal Treatment if the pattern is persistent or another diagnosis is possible. Keep products away from the eyes.

Contact your baby's clinician if the scalp is very red, swollen, cracked, bleeding, oozing or painful, or if the rash spreads widely. Seek prompt advice if your baby seems unwell, develops fever, feeds poorly or is unusually sleepy. Review is also useful when home care does not improve the scale or the diagnosis is uncertain.

Ask which cleanser and moisturiser are suitable, whether the scale should be softened before washing, how often to use any treatment, and which scalp changes need review.