Dry Cradle Cap: What Parents Should Know

Cradle cap, also called infantile seborrheic dermatitis, can appear as dry flakes or thicker yellowish scale on the scalp. It may extend to the eyebrows, behind the ears or skin folds. Babies are often otherwise well, and the appearance can be more concerning than the sensation. Marked redness, oozing, a bad smell, bleeding or significant itch suggests that another problem or infection may be present and deserves a clinician's assessment.

Wash with a mild baby cleanser, then massage a small amount of plain emollient into the scale if advised. Let it soften before brushing very lightly with a soft baby brush, and stop if the skin becomes sore. Never pick attached flakes or use adult dandruff products, essential oils or medicated creams without guidance. Wash out oily products rather than leaving them on for long periods, and keep the scalp clean and dry.

Contact a clinician if the scalp is raw, swollen, bleeding, weeping, foul-smelling or surrounded by spreading redness. Arrange an examination if the baby seems unwell, has a fever, feeds poorly, or the rash involves much of the body. Persistent scale that does not improve with gentle care may need a tailored treatment, such as a prescribed topical antifungal treatment.

Does this look like cradle cap or another rash? Which emollient is safe for this baby's age? How should scale be loosened, and what changes would suggest infection or a need for topical antifungal treatment?