Cradle cap
Introduction
Cradle cap is the greasy, yellow scaly patches that sometimes appear on the scalps of young babies.
It's a common harmless condition that doesn't usually itch or cause discomfort to the baby. If your baby is scratching their head or there is swelling, speak to your GP as it may be a sign of another condition, such as atopic eczema .
The medical name for cradle cap is seborrhoeic dermatitis. It usually occurs on the scalp, but can also appear on the face, ears, neck, nappy area or in skin folds, such as at the back of the knees and armpits.
Cradle cap usually appears in babies in the first two months and tends to clear up by itself after a few weeks or months. In most cases, it will clear by the time your baby is one year old.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 14 Dec 2016
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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