What should you know about new born dandruff?

Cradle cap is the common name for flaky or greasy scale linked with infant seborrheic dermatitis. It may look white, yellow, or crusty and can extend to the eyebrows or behind the ears. It is different from adult Dandruff, although both involve scalp scale. A very itchy scalp, marked redness, weeping, blisters, or scale beyond the scalp may point to another problem and deserves an examination.

Wash the scalp with a mild, fragrance-free baby cleanser, then soften loose scale with a small amount of plain emollient before gently brushing with a soft brush. Never pick or scrape attached scale. Keep oils away from the eyes and stop if the skin becomes red. Do not use adult dandruff products, essential oils, or prescription creams unless a clinician recommends them. If flakes persist, ask about Medicated Shampoo Treatment or Topical Antifungal Treatment appropriate for an infant.

Contact a clinician promptly for fever, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, bleeding, blisters, poor feeding, or unusual sleepiness. Arrange assessment when the baby seems very uncomfortable or the rash involves the face and body. These signs can indicate irritation or infection and should not be managed by repeatedly adding products.

Does this look like cradle cap or another rash? Which cleanser and emollient are suitable? Should I use a medicated product, and for how long? What signs mean I should stop treatment or return for review?