Ways to get rid of cradle cap

Cradle cap, or infantile seborrheic dermatitis, causes flaky, greasy, yellowish, or crusted patches on the scalp. It is usually not caused by poor hygiene and is not generally uncomfortable, although some babies may have mild irritation. Scales can also appear around the eyebrows, ears, or skin folds.

The scalp may look better and then develop more scale because oil production and skin shedding continue. Avoid lifting firmly attached crusts, since scratching can break the skin.

Wash the scalp with a mild baby shampoo, rinse well, and use a soft brush only when scale has loosened. A small amount of a bland emollient may soften stubborn scale before washing; remove it rather than leaving a thick layer on the scalp. Keep products away from the eyes and stop if the skin becomes more irritated.

If gentle care does not settle the patches, a clinician may consider emollient therapy or a topical antifungal treatment when another process is suspected. Do not use medicated products on a baby without advice about the product, amount, and duration.

Contact a clinician if the scalp is very red, swollen, painful, oozing, bleeding, foul-smelling, or rapidly spreading. Arrange an assessment if the baby seems unwell, has fever, scratches persistently, or the rash affects areas beyond the usual scalp and folds. These signs may need a different diagnosis or treatment.

Ask whether the appearance fits cradle cap, which cleanser and emollient are suitable, and how to soften scale safely. If treatment is suggested, ask where to apply it, how long to use it, and which changes should prompt a review.