Don’t fret if you have never heard of cradle caps until your child starts showing symptoms. You will learn everything you need to know in this article.
What Is a Cradle Cap?
Cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition in newborns.1 It causes oily, scaly, and crusty patches on a baby’s scalp. Despite the appearance of the condition, your baby is in no pain or discomfort because of it.
The condition typically clears up within a few weeks or months on its own, but it will require general home care. Parents will need to wash their baby's scalp with a gentle or mild shampoo at least daily. The daily routine will help loosen the scales, making them easier to remove. While you might want to scratch at the patches, refrain. If the cradle cap persists or does not seem to resolve on its own, contact your doctor. They might prescribe a medicated lotion or shampoo to help things along.
How Does a Baby Get Cradle Cap?
Currently, the cradle cap has no known cause. Some professionals speculate the condition can be hormonal, suggesting hormones passed from the mother to baby before birth cause an overproduction of oil or sebum in the hair follicles and oil glands.
Alternatively, other researchers suggest that the contributing factor to cradle cap is the potential yeast or fungus Malassezia in the sebum with other potential bacteria. The argument for a fungal cause is strong because antifungal treatments such as ketoconazole are effective treatments for the condition.
While an underlying cause is not yet known, doctors are positive the cradle cap is not a result of poor hygiene or community spread. All studies conclude the condition is not contagious.
Signs & Symptoms
Seborrheic dermatitis typically affects some infants between the ages of two weeks and 12 months.2 While commonly referred to as cradle cap, the condition can appear on different areas of the body; the primary locations include:
- Skin folds
- Back of the neck
- Diaper area
The severity of the condition will depend on myriad factors. However, most infants experiencing cradle cap will show signs and symptoms including:
- Yellowish, greasy patches or crusts
- Red and moist skin folds and creases
- Scaly or flaky skin
How To Treat Cradle Cap?
The cradle cap does not usually need medical intervention or treatment, tending to fade on its own over several weeks. Maintaining a good hygiene routine, such as washing your baby’s hair with a mild shampoo or applying mineral oil to the scalp for a couple of hours daily, can help reduce the condition's symptoms.
If necessary, your doctor might intervene, but this is only if the condition worsens or does not improve. The doctor might prescribe an anti-fungal medication or a hydrocortisone cream. While you might want the condition to clear up quickly, do not use OTC medications without talking to your baby’s doctor first. Some OTC medications are safe for older children but dangerous for infants.
Cradle Cap Prevention
Beyond washing your baby’s hair with a mild shampoo, rinsing it thoroughly, and avoiding scratching or irritating the skin, you can try gentle scalp massage. Additionally, ensure your baby is consuming a nutrient-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding stress.
If you want to try something to help with the flakiness, you can try emollients or creams; just remember to talk to your doctor. Additionally, try Wellements All-Purpose Balm is an organic and gluten-free product explicitly designed for newborns+. It is free from parabens, artificial fragrances, petroleum, and unnecessary preservatives, as with all the company's products.
A cradle cap is a non-inflammatory skin condition that typically goes away on its own. If your baby has a severe case, you should schedule a visit with their pediatrician to discuss treatment options.