Cradle cap (infantile seborrheic dermatitis)
What is cradle cap?
Cradle cap is an inflammatory skin condition that typically appears on a baby's scalp. The medical name for it is infantile seborrheic dermatitis. It shows up in roughly 10 percent of babies, most often between the ages of 3 weeks and 12 months.
If your baby's scalp has yellow or brown flaky, crusty, or scaly skin that looks like dandruff, it's probably cradle cap.
You might notice the same condition in other areas where the skin produces oil, such as around your baby's ears or eyebrows, on his eyelids, or even in his armpits and other skin creases. In the diaper area, seborrheic dermatitis may be mistaken for diaper rash.
Cradle cap is harmless and not contagious. It probably doesn't bother your baby at all, although if it gets severe it might itch.
How long does it take for cradle cap to go away?
Cradle cap usually clears up on its own by 6 to 12 months of age – although some children have it for longer, even into grade school.
What causes cradle cap?
The cause is unknown. But we do know that cradle cap is not caused by poor hygiene or allergies.
Some experts believe that the hormones a baby receives from his mother at the end of pregnancy overstimulate the baby's oil-producing (seborrheic) glands, resulting in cradle cap. Irritation from a yeast that grows in the sebum (the substance produced by the glands) is also thought to be a possible culprit. But there's no consensus on the cause.
What's the best way to get rid of cradle cap?
You don't really need to do anything, but you can try:
- Gently massage your baby's (wet or dry) scalp with your fingers or a soft brush to loosen the scales. Take it easy, though. You don't want to irritate the scalp, which could lead to bleeding or infection.
- Shampoo more frequently (up to once a day), but be sure to rinse out all the soap or shampoo. After shampooing, gently brush your baby's scalp with a soft brush (a new, soft toothbrush works well) or a terrycloth towel.
- Consider using a baby shampoo developed especially for cradle cap.
Caution: Don't use any over-the-counter creams, ointments, or dandruff shampoos without a doctor's approval. Some active ingredients can be absorbed through the skin, and the concentration can be too strong for a baby.
Can I use natural oils to treat my baby's cradle cap?
If your baby has a stubborn case of cradle cap, an oil remedy might help to loosen dry flakes. There's no scientific support for this method, but parents have reported success.
- Rub a small amount of a pure, natural oil – such as coconut oil – on your baby's scalp. Be especially gentle around your baby's soft spot, if she still has one. (You can use petroleum jelly instead of oil, if you prefer.)
- Leave the oil on for 15 minutes or longer.
- Gently remove the flakes with a fine-tooth comb, or brush them off with a soft brush.
- Wash your baby's scalp, gently massaging it with a mild baby shampoo to thoroughly loosen the scales and remove the oil. (Oil left on your baby's scalp could clog the pores and cause flakes to stick.)
Is there any way to prevent cradle cap?
No. You can't prevent cradle cap, but washing your baby's hair with a mild baby shampoo every few days and brushing his scalp with a soft brush might help keep cradle cap from coming back once it's under control.
Should I take my baby to the doctor if she has cradle cap?
Talk with your baby's doctor if:
- The cradle cap is severe or worsening.
- There is any bleeding.
- It spreads beyond your baby's scalp.
- The rash is causing your baby to lose hair.
- There are any signs of infection, such as redness, oozing, fever, or skin that's warm to the touch.
- Your baby develops other symptoms, like a diaper rash or signs of thrush. These may be caused by a yeast infection.
The doctor may recommend a cortisone cream if the scalp is inflamed, or a dandruff or antifungal shampoo for a severe case of cradle cap. (Be extra careful because the shampoo can irritate your baby's eyes.)
What else might cause dry, scaly patches on my baby's scalp?
Cradle cap is sometimes confused with eczema (atopic dermatitis). Eczema often shows up in babies as dry, scaly patches on the cheeks and scalp, but it can spread to other parts of the body too. Unlike most cradle cap, eczema is very itchy.
Learn more
Visual guide to rashes and skin conditions
Why does my baby have dry skin?
African American babies: Hair care
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