Cradle cap
Does cradle cap need treatment?
Most cases of cradle cap will clear up on their own in time. Gently washing your baby's hair and scalp with baby shampoo can help prevent a build-up of scales. Massaging baby oil or natural oil, such as olive oil, into their scalp at night can help loosen the crust.
There is usually no need to see your GP if your baby has cradle cap. However, you may want to ask them for advice if your baby's scalp becomes inflamed or if the cradle cap spreads to other parts of their body.
It's important not to pick at the scales as this can cause an infection.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dez 2018
Introduction
Cradle cap is the yellowish, greasy, scaly patches that sometimes appear on the scalps of young babies.
What does cradle cap look like?
Cradle cap is easy to recognise by the large, greasy, yellow or brown scales on your baby's scalp. The scales will start to flake and may make the affected skin look red. Sometimes the hair will come
What causes cradle cap?
It's not clear what causes cradle cap, although it may be linked to overactive sebaceous glands. These are glands in the skin that produce an oily substance called sebum. Some babies are thought to r
Does cradle cap need treatment?
Most cases of cradle cap will clear up on their own in time. Gently washing your baby's hair and scalp with baby shampoo can help prevent a build-up of scales. Massaging baby oil or natural oil, such
Special shampoos
You can buy special shampoo for cradle cap from your local pharmacy. Always read the instruction leaflet tocheck it's safe to use on your child. Avoid getting the shampoo in your baby's eyes. If you'
Treating an infection
If your baby's cradle cap becomes inflamed or infected, a course of antibiotics or an antifungal cream or shampoo such as ketoconazole may be prescribed by a doctor. A mild steroid cream such as hyd
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