What should you know about getting rid of cradle cap with coconut oil?

Cradle cap, or infantile seborrheic dermatitis, often appears as yellowish, greasy, or flaky scale on the scalp. It is usually not caused by poor hygiene and may not bother the baby. Scale can also extend around the ears, eyebrows, or folds.

A baby's scalp is sensitive. Thick oils left sitting on the skin can trap residue and make washing difficult, and any product may trigger irritation. Do not pick firmly attached scale or scratch the scalp.

If your clinician agrees, smooth a thin layer of plain coconut oil onto the scalp for a short period to loosen scale. Massage very lightly, use a soft baby brush only on loosened flakes, then wash with a gentle baby shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Keep oil away from the eyes and broken skin.

If scale persists, a clinician can discuss Emollient Therapy or, when another component is suspected, Topical Antifungal Treatment. Do not use medicated products on an infant's scalp unless they have been recommended for that child.

Contact a clinician if the scalp is very red, swollen, cracked, oozing, smelly, bleeding, or painful, or if the baby seems unwell. Ask for assessment when rash spreads widely or does not settle with gentle care.

Ask whether the rash fits cradle cap, how long oil may remain before washing, and which cleanser is suitable. Ask what signs suggest infection or another infant rash and whether a treatment needs a prescription.