Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis)

‘Cradle cap’ or ‘seborrheic dermatitis’ is a harmless skin condition that causes oily, yellowish scales or crusted patches on an infant's scalp. It can appear in infants as young as 4 months old.

While it mostly affects the scalp, you might also see it on the forehead, eyebrows, and behind the ears. It can look concerning, but it's important to remember that cradle cap isn't painful or itchy for your baby.

The condition isn't contagious and isn't caused by poor hygiene. While the exact cause isn't known, it may be related to hormones passed from the mother to the baby before birth, causing the baby's oil glands to produce excess oil, or sebum. Another possible cause is a fungus called malassezia, which grows in the sebum along with bacteria.

Cradle cap usually clears up on its own within a few weeks to a few months. To treat cradle cap, you can start by using an anti-dandruff shampoo, such as Head and Shoulders or Selsun Blue, once or twice a week. Just be careful not to get the shampoo in your baby’s eyes.

Alternatively, you can gently rub baby oil or olive oil into the scalp, let it sit for about ten minutes, and then use a fine-toothed comb to remove the scales before shampooing the hair. Avoid scratching the affected areas to prevent irritation.

If home treatments don't work or if you notice signs of infection, such as increased redness or hard, yellow-brown scabs, call our office to schedule an appointment. We'll do a thorough check-up of your child to discuss the best treatment options.

Keeping an eye out for cradle cap and managing it properly helps keep your baby's scalp healthy and comfortable.