Seeing something on your baby’s scalp that doesn’t belong there can be concerning!
Fortunately, cradle cap is very common in babies, is harmless, and usually goes away on its own. Cradle cap is a scaly, sometimes oily rash that can develop on a baby’s scalp. It can appear during the newborn period and last up to 12 months of age, although some babies can have it longer.
As a pediatrician, I reassure families that while it can be noticeable, it usually bothers parents more than it bothers their babies.
What Cradle Cap Looks Like
For most babies, cradle cap tends to look like:
- Yellow, dry or oily scales on a baby’s scalp.
- Most noticeable on the top of the head, but can also appear behind the ears, on the eyebrows, forehead and face.
- May also appear as small, reddish bumps in these same areas.
- It can also develop on other parts of the body, including the neck folds and trunk. When it occurs outside of the scalp it is called seborrheic dermatitis.
Important to note: Cradle cap can sometimes look similar to eczema. Both conditions can cause dry-looking skin, but cradle cap is more greasy or dry with oily, yellow scales. Whereas eczema may have thick, darker-colored scales that merge together.
Causes of Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is so common that it can affect up to 70% of babies. While the exact cause of cradle cap isn’t clear, we do know that there isn’t anything parents have done to cause it and that it is not caused by poor hygiene.
How to Treat Cradle Cap at Home
Because cradle cap usually resolves on its own, treatment is not always necessary. If you want to help loosen the scales, gentle care is the best approach. I recommend that parents:
- Wash the scalp every other day with a gentle baby shampoo or wash.
- Gently massage the scalp with a soft baby brush to loosen the scales.
- If the scales are thick, apply baby oil, coconut oil or petroleum jelly to the affected area. Leave it on overnight, then wash it off in the morning.
What Not to Do for Cradle Cap
Parents should avoid the following steps, as they can irritate the skin or cause bleeding:
- Picking or scratching it.
- Aggressively brushing the scales.
- Using fragranced products on skin and scalp. Look for hypoallergenic or ‘intended for sensitive skin’ labeled products.
How Long Does Cradle Cap Last?
Cradle cap can last for several months and may continue until around 12 months of age. Some children may have it longer.
Although the appearance can be frustrating for parents, persistence doesn’t necessarily mean that something is wrong. In most cases, cradle cap will gradually improve and disappear on its own.
When to Call Your Pediatrician About Cradle Cap
For most babies, cradle cap is not painful, uncomfortable or itchy. Babies typically don’t seem bothered by it, even when the scales are quite noticeable. Sometimes, a baby may have eczema or another type of dermatitis at the same time. Those conditions can cause itching or discomfort.
Contact your pediatrician if your baby’s scalp or rash:
- Becomes excessively scaly.
- Is oozing or has drainage.
- Bleeds.
- Looks swollen.
- Seems painful or very itchy.
- Develops blisters.
- Has an unusual odor.
You should also contact your pediatrician anytime you are concerned about your baby’s skin or aren’t sure whether the rash is actually cradle cap. Your pediatrician can examine the rash and help determine whether another skin condition may be causing the symptoms. Sometimes a quick conversation with your pediatrician is all you need for reassurance.
Cincinnati Children’s primary care pediatricians provide all the care your child needs to grow up healthy. Check out our locations around the greater Cincinnati area.
