Ways to remove cradle cap

Cradle cap, also called infantile seborrheic dermatitis, produces flaky or greasy scale on the scalp. The skin may look yellowish, white or mildly red. It is not caused by poor hygiene, and picking can create small breaks that become irritated or infected.

Apply a small amount of a suitable emollient to the scalp for a short period to soften attached scale, then wash with a mild baby shampoo and loosen flakes with a soft brush. Do not peel off firmly attached crusts, use adult dandruff products, or leave oily products where the baby can inhale or swallow them. A clinician may recommend emollient therapy for persistent dryness or a topical antifungal treatment when yeast-related inflammation is suspected.

Seek medical advice if the scalp is weeping, bleeding, crusted with pus, very swollen, strongly inflamed or spreading beyond the scalp. Arrange review if the baby seems unwell, scratches persistently, or gentle care does not improve the scale.

Ask which product is appropriate for your baby’s age, how long it should remain on the scalp, whether the skin looks infected, and when a prescription treatment is warranted.