What should you know about recurring cradle cap?

Cradle cap, also called infantile seborrheic dermatitis, produces greasy, yellowish, or flaky scale on a baby’s scalp. It may improve and then reappear because the scalp continues to produce oil and shed skin while the condition settles. It is generally not caused by poor hygiene and is not usually painful. Redness, marked itching, oozing, bleeding, or scale beyond the scalp suggests that a clinician should check for irritation, infection, eczema, or another diagnosis.

Soften scale with a small amount of a clinician-approved emollient, then wash with a mild baby shampoo and gently loosen only the flakes that lift easily. Never scratch, pick, or scrape the scalp. Rinse products thoroughly and stop anything that causes redness or stinging. A clinician may suggest emollient therapy for stubborn scale or topical antifungal treatment when the pattern warrants it. Use medicated products only as directed for an infant’s age.

Arrange an appointment if home care does not help, the scalp becomes very red, swollen, wet, cracked, or tender, or the rash spreads to the face or body. Seek prompt advice if your baby has fever, seems unwell, feeds poorly, or has extensive skin involvement. Do not wait for a routine visit when the baby appears seriously ill.

Ask which emollient is suitable, how long to leave it on, how often to wash the scalp, and whether the appearance fits cradle cap. Ask before using antifungal or steroid products, especially if the skin is broken.