What is Cradle Cap?

By: Sarah Stein, MD, FAAD, FAAP Your beautiful one-month-old baby has thick, yellowish scales on their scalp. You may also notice scales or redness on their face, in their neck folds and behind their ears. What is it? What should you do? This oily rash on your baby's scalp is called cradle cap. It's a type of seborrheic dermatitis that's found on the head. Cradle cap usually starts between three weeks and two months after birth. It's extremely common in babies. In fact, 70% of three-month-olds have cradle cap. Here are examples of what cradle cap looks like on lighter and darker skin. Photo credit: Pediatrics in Review (American Academy of Pediatrics) This scaly rash may show up in other places too, such as your baby's face, armpits, neck crease and diaper area. When it's not on the scalp, it is called seborrheic dermatitis. Cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis are rarely itchy or uncomfortable. They aren't contagious either. No one knows exactly what causes cradle cap. One theory is that it's a reaction to some common yeast that everyone has on their skin. Another theory is that the mother's hormones cause the baby's oil glands to overproduce. Cradle cap isn't caused by an allergic reaction or an infection. It doesn't happen from poor hygiene either. You don't need to treat cradle cap. But you can take steps to help the scales come off more easily, including: Wash your baby's hair more often. Every other day is helpful for most babies. If your baby has another skin condition, ask your pediatrician or dermatologist how often you should bathe them. Use a mild baby shampoo. Check with your pediatrician before using a medicated shampoo. This may irritate your baby's skin. Loosen scales while shampooing. You can do this with gentle massage, a soft brush or a baby comb. For tough scales, apply a little mineral oil, coconut oil or petroleum jelly. Let it sit overnight to soften the scales. Wash and massage or brush your baby's scalp as usual. It may be tempting, but don't scratch or pick at the scales. This increases the risk of infection. Don't be alarmed if your baby's hair comes off with the scales. It will grow back. Once the scales are gone, keep washing your baby's hair frequently with a mild baby shampoo. This will help stop the cradle cap from coming back. Cradle cap usually goes away by itself within weeks or months. In most cases, it has cleared up by 1 year old, but some toddlers continue to have some flaky build up on their scalps. See your pediatrician if the cradle cap becomes crusted, weepy or has pus bumps. They may recommend using an antifungal cream or hydrocortisone cream to help. They can also check for any signs of other conditions or infections. A rash in other places besides the scalp, especially if it's severe Your baby appears to be in pain or discomfort There is oozing fluid or bleeding from the scales The affected skin looks swollen Eczema in Babies & Children Baby Birthmarks & Rashes Cradle Cap (KidsDoc Symptom Checker) Sarah Stein, MD, FAAD, FAAP, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Dermatology, is Associate Professor and Director of Pediatric Dermatology for UChicago Medicine.