by Gillian Taber

Created on: July 06, 2009

What is cradle cap?

Cradle cap is an extremely common condition and affects the scalp of a baby. The medical term for cradle cap is Infantile Seborrhoeic Dermatitis and, despite the serious-sounding name, it is a temporary condition and harmless.

What causes cradle cap?

The simple answer is, no-one knows. What is known is that it is not caused by infections or allergies. We also know that it is not connected to cleanliness, which is often put forward as a theory.

Other experts believe it may be connected to hormones passed to the baby during pregnancy. These hormones may overstimulate baby's oil-producing glands and cause the condition, but there is no general agreement on this idea.

What are the symptoms of cradle cap?

Cradle cap usually makes an appearance in the first month of baby's life. It may look like baby has dandruff, a flaky scalp. Commonly, cradle cap presents as thick, oily, yellow or brown scales on baby's scalp that form crusty patches. Although unsightly, it is not harmful. The scales may also appear in baby's eyebrows, around the ears, in the armpits and other folds in baby's skin.

What treatments are there?

It isn't actually necessary to treat cradle cap. As already stated, the condition is not harmful, merely unsightly. The scales are often hidden by baby's hair and less noticeable. Cradle cap will normally disappear, unaided, by twelve months.

Baby can occasionally suffer from itchy scalp because of cradle cap. In such cases it may help to try and remove the build-up of scales.

Never pick them off with your nails - Baby's scalp is delicate and you run the risk of making the problem worse by adding infection to the cradle cap.

A simple way to treat cradle cap is to rub a little baby oil into baby's scalp before putting them down for the night. In the morning, using a soft brush or soft towel, gently brush away the scales that have been loosened by the oil. Wash baby's hair with a baby formula shampoo. It's possible this treatment may have to be repeated if the cradle cap is not removed completely, or if it returns.

This is the most commonly used method for removal of cradle cap scales. Other suggestions for natural remedies are discussed here.

When should I see my doctor?

If the scales appear anywhere apart from the scalp, first consult your midwife or dedicated childcare professional. They will be able to tell you if a doctor should be consulted.

If the scales are on parts of the body and are accompanied by diaper rash, or if the scalp appears inflamed, a visit to the doctor is recommended. This is mostly likely to be a case of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis which, like eczema, can be treated with specialized lotions and creams. If in doubt, ask a professional for advice.

Cradle cap is a cosmetic condition, for the most part, and generally needs little more than the treatment described above. If your baby is not bothered by itching, or by the patches spreading, it may be as well to leave the cradle cap alone and let it clear up naturally. There is some debate as to whether using oils and shampoos to remove the scales actually creates more oil-production and more scales. The choice is yours, but if you are at all concerned, see your health professional and discuss ways to manage cradle cap.

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