Cradle cap
Cradle cap is a common skin condition that affects babies. It’s characterised by oily, yellow, scaly crusts that are found mainly on the scalp. Sometimes it can be found on the eyebrows, torso or skin folds.
This harmless condition usually occurs in babies under three months. It is rare for children over this age to have it. Cradle cap is not contagious and usually clears by itself after a few months. However, there are ways you can safely remove it.
Signs of cradle cap
Typical signs of cradle cap include:
reddened skin
changes to the scalp colour
oily or waxy scales that can be yellow to brown
yellow crusts
What causes cradle cap?
Cradle cap is a form of dermatitis. It causes inflammation in the sebaceous glands (oil glands) of the skin. When these glands make more oil than they need to it can lead to dead skin cells that stick to the scalp.
It’s not completely understood why this occurs. However, it’s thought that some babies retain some of their mother’s hormones in the weeks and months following their birth. These hormones can make their glands more active. Babies who have cradle cap often have other family members who have allergy-type conditions, like asthma and eczema.3Babies with extensive cradle cap may go on to develop eczema, especially if there is a family history of eczema.
How to get rid of cradle cap
Most of the time cradle cap improves on its own without needing treatment. However, this can take a few weeks. Naturally, many parents want to know what they can do to improve the condition faster. The following at-home treatment for cradle cap may help:
loosen the crusts by gently massaging baby oil or petroleum jelly into your baby’s scalp at night
wash the hair the next morning with a no-tears formula baby shampoo
gently lift the crusts off with a soft brush
avoid picking or forcing the crusts off as this can cause bleeding.
If the above treatment doesn’t work, and you want to try something else, speak to your pharmacist.
When should you see your doctor?
Sometimes the skin under the cradle cap can become infected, or your baby can develop eczema under the crusts. If this occurs, you need to see a doctor. Signs your baby may need medical attention include:
red or inflamed skin
a rash that weeps or smells
cradle cap has spread to other areas of their body
your baby is generally unwell
your baby is more than three months old and cradle cap is worse
your baby seems irritated by the cradle cap or scratches it.
How to prevent cradle cap
There isn’t much you can do to prevent cradle cap. However, once it is under control you can keep it at bay by washing your baby’s hair and brushing the scalp with a soft brush.
Your local MediADVICE pharmacist is available to help you manage your health and that of your family. We can provide advice on products that can assist with cradle cap. We can also refer you to a doctor if necessary.
Visit your nearest pharmacy