What is cradle cap?

Cradle cap is a skin condition that affects the heads of young babies.

If your baby has cradle cap, they will have yellowish, greasy scaly patches on their scalp. It’s a very common condition that doesn't cause discomfort to your baby.

Cradle cap appears most often in babies in the first 3 months. It tends to last only a few weeks.

Cradle cap is very uncommon, in infants over 1 year old, but it can last longer.

What are the symptoms of cradle cap?

Cradle cap is recognisable by the large scales that appear on your child’s head. These may be yellow or brown in colour. The scales are greasy and may flake away. The skin around and under the scales may appear red.

Cradle cap is not a serious condition. It should not be itchy or irritate your child.

It usually starts on the scalp and can sometimes spread behind the ears.

When it appears on a part of the body other than the scalp, it’s known as infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis. It may appear parts of your baby’s body such as the:

• nappy area (groin)
• creases around the neck
• nose
• armpits

What causes cradle cap?

The cause of cradle cap is not clear. There are a few possible causes.

It may be linked to your baby’s sebaceous glands. These are glands in the skin that produce an oily substance called sebum. After you give birth, some of your hormones may remain in your baby’s bloodstream. These hormones can cause your baby’s sebaceous glands to produce too much sebum. The excess sebum causes old skin cells to stick to the scalp, instead of drying up and falling off as they would normally do.

Cradle cap is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. If your baby has cradle cap, it does not mean that they have an infection or are not being looked after properly.

Research has found that babies who get cradle cap often have family members with allergy-type conditions, such as asthma and eczema.

Some babies who have cradle cap may develop other types of seborrhoeic dermatitis, such as dandruff, when they are older.

When should I take my baby to a doctor?

Take your baby to the doctor if you notice that your baby’s cradle cap is weeping or inflamed.

It’s a good idea to see the doctor if you are concerned, or if:

• the cradle cap continues after your baby is 3 months old
• your baby’s cradle cap is itchy
• the cradle cap does not improve with treatment
• the cradle cap spreads to other parts of your baby’s face or body

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How is cradle cap diagnosed?

A doctor can diagnose cradle cap by examining the scales on your baby’s head. A doctor can also rule out other conditions such as eczema, and give your baby appropriate treatment.

How is cradle cap treated?

Cradle cap requires no specific treatment and will clear up on its own with time.

There are things you can do to help it improve faster.

You can gently massage a small amount of baby oil, moisturiser or lotion into your baby’s scalp at night. This can help soften the patchy scales. In the morning, use a soft baby toothbrush or cloth to gently remove any loose particles. Then, wash their hair with baby shampoo.

You can repeat this again if cradle cap comes back. Cradle cap may come back while your baby’s sebaceous glands are producing too much sebum.

Your doctor may consider other treatments for infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis, like:

• medicines to soften scales
• topical steroids and other anti-inflammatory medications
• antifungals

Taking care with food oils

Sometimes people use food oils to moisturise and soften cradle cap.

Avoid using olive oil, as this can cause a yeast infection in your baby’s cradle cap.

You should also take care when using nut and seed oils, as young children may have allergies.

Taking care with shampoos

Special cradle cap shampoos are available over the counter at pharmacies. These help loosen the cradle cap. You can also try a mild anti-dandruff shampoo.

Before using it check the patient information leaflet for any ingredients your child is allergic to. Follow the instructions carefully. You should avoid getting shampoo in your baby’s eyes. You can speak to your pharmacist for more advice.

If the shampoo or other treatments worsen your baby’s condition, stop the treatments and see a doctor.

Can cradle cap be prevented?

Cradle cap can’t be prevented, as it’s thought to be caused by hormones after birth. It does not affect every baby.

Complications of cradle cap

It’s important not to scratch or pick at the cradle cap, in case an infection develops. An infection can spread and make your baby unwell.

Resources and support

Talk to your doctor or child health nurse if you have questions about cradle cap.