Cradle Cap
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Cradle cap is the greasy, yellow scaly patches that sometimes appear on the scalps of young babies. It is common, harmless and doesn’t usually itch or cause discomfort. The scales flake and may make the affected skin look red. Sometimes the hair will come away with the flakes, but it will grow back. It usually appears in babies in the first two months and clears up without treatment within weeks to a few months.
Picture courtesy of NHS Choices
Cradle cap is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene or an allergy.
It is a type of seborrhoeic dermatitis, a common irritation that affects oily skin in children and adults. It usually occurs on the scalp but can also affect the face, ears, neck, nappy area and armpits, and behind the knees.
Managing your condition
Do not pick at the scales as this can cause an infection. Most cases of cradle cap clear up on their own without the need for treatment within weeks to a few months.
Tips to help reduce the build-up of scales on the scalp:
- Regularly wash the scalp with a baby shampoo, followed by gentle brushing with a soft brush to loosen scales.
- For moderate to severe cradle cap, soften the scales with baby oil or coconut oil for a few hours or overnight, followed by gentle brushing, and wash off with baby shampoo.
How do I treat?
If you have tried the tips above and these haven’t worked you may want to speak to your pharmacist, midwife or Health Visitor. They may advise the use of a greasy emollient or soap substitute, such as emulsifying ointment.
When should I seek advice?
There is usually no need to see your GP if your baby has cradle cap. However, you may want to ask them for advice if the affected areas look swollen, the crusts bleed or leak fluid, or if the cradle cap spreads to other parts of the body.
Where can I get more information?
- NHS Choices –www.nhs.uk
- Your local community pharmacy