What should you know about newborn hair loss cradle cap?

Cradle cap produces soft, greasy or dry scale on the scalp. Hair may appear sparse where flakes cling, where rubbing occurs, or as early baby hair naturally sheds and changes. Cradle cap does not usually damage the hair root. Smooth, sharply defined bare patches, broken hairs, tenderness, swelling, pus, or scale extending beyond the scalp suggest that another problem should be considered.

A clinician can distinguish simple cradle cap from infection or inflammation by looking at the scalp and asking about scratching, products, and how quickly the change appeared.

Wash with lukewarm water and a mild baby cleanser. After washing, use a soft brush only on scale that loosens easily. Never pick, scrape, or pull hairs through stuck flakes. Avoid tight hats, fragranced oils, and adult scalp products. A clinician may suggest [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) to soften scale or [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/) when the appearance calls for it. Do not apply a treatment intended for adults without specific advice.

Arrange prompt assessment for a painful or hot scalp, rapidly spreading redness, bleeding, pus, blisters, or a foul smell. Seek urgent advice if the newborn has a fever, feeds poorly, or seems unusually sleepy. Book a review for a smooth bald patch, broken hairs, significant scratching, or hair loss that continues while the scalp becomes more inflamed.

Ask whether the scale is consistent with cradle cap, whether the hair pattern is expected, and how to loosen flakes safely. Mention any new shampoo, oil, hat, scratching, family skin conditions, or photographs showing progression.