Cradle cap is the name given to the yellowish, greasy scaly patches that appear on the scalp of young babies. It is a very common, harmless condition that does not usually itch or cause any discomfort.It usually begins in babies during the first three months and tends to last a few weeks or months. It normally clears up by the time the child is two years old, although in rare cases children can have cradle cap for a lot longer. The exact cause of cradle cap in unclear, although it is thought that it could be caused by overactive sebaceous glands.

Symptoms of cradle cap include:

  • greasy yellow patches on the scalp,
  • the affected skin area appearing red
  • scales and flakes on the scalp,
  • yellow crusts on the scalp.

There is a possibility that the child will have hair loss when the patch falls off or is removed. It is important not to scratch or pick at the cradle cap, in case an infection develops. It usually starts on the scalp and can spread behind the ears. The patches may appear on other parts of the baby’s body, such as the nappy area (groin), the nose, armpits or backs of the knees. In this case, the condition is called seborrhoeic eczema (dermatitis), rather than cradle cap.

Cradle cap normally requires no specific treatment, although gently washing the baby’s hair and scalp may prevent a build-up of the scale. To help to loosen the crust, massage a small amount of olive oil into the scalp at night. This will help to soften the patchy scales. In the morning, using a soft baby brush or cloth, gently remove any loose particles, and then wash the hair with a baby shampoo.

If this does not work then try a mild shampoo but be careful with baby’s eyes as these shampoos are stronger than baby shampoo. If the cradle cap becomes inflamed or infected, a course of antibiotics or an antifungal cream or shampoo, such as ketoconazole, may be prescribed by a doctor. A mild steroid cream such as hydrocortisone may be recommended for an inflamed rash.

If the cradle cap does not improve with treatment, or the baby has seborrhoeic dermatitis on the face or body, speak to your health visitor or GP for advice