What should you know about QV and cradle cap?

Cradle cap, also called infantile seborrheic dermatitis, commonly causes greasy or dry white, yellow or brown scales on the scalp. The skin may look mildly red underneath, but babies are often otherwise well. It is not caused by poor hygiene and is not usually spread by contact. Scaling can also appear around the eyebrows, behind the ears or in skin folds, so a clinician may need to distinguish it from eczema or infection.

Massage a small amount of an appropriate emollient into the scalp, allow it to soften the scale, then wash with a mild baby cleanser and loosen flakes gently with a soft brush. Never pick or scrape attached scales, because broken skin can become irritated or infected. Keep product away from the eyes and follow age instructions. If scales are widespread or persistent, a clinician may discuss Emollient Therapy or Topical Antifungal Treatment.

Contact a clinician if the scalp is very red, swollen, painful, wet, crusted, bleeding or has an unpleasant smell. Seek urgent help if your baby seems seriously unwell, has facial swelling or breathing difficulty. Review is also sensible when hair loss, spreading rash or marked itch develops, or when gentle care does not improve the scaling.

Does this look like cradle cap or another rash? Which emollient is suitable for my baby’s age? How often should I wash the scalp, and would a medicated treatment be appropriate?