Cradle cap is a benign skin condition in babies, also known as infant seborrheic dermatitis. It causes symptoms like yellow or white crusts on the baby's scalp that are not itchy or painful.

This condition is very common in babies. While the cause is not completely known, it appears to be related to overactive sebaceous glands or a reaction to a specific type of fungus on the skin.

Cradle cap usually goes away on its own by 12 months. During that time your pediatrician may recommend certain care measures like washing the baby's hair daily and using emollient creams.

Common symptoms

The main symptoms of cradle cap include:

Scaly yellow plaques or crusts;
Flaking of the skin on the top of the baby's head;
Oily scalp;
Mild redness of the skin;
Hair loss.

Cradle cap most commonly shows up in the first few weeks of life, or up until 3 months of age, and lasts until about 12 months of age.

Cradle cap is not painful or itchy. It may affect other parts of the body in some cases, such as the eyebrows, eyelids, forehead, cheeks, behind the ears, nose, or diaper area.

In these cases, there is often less sloughing of the skin, but the skin may be more red.

Confirming a diagnosis

The diagnosis of cradle cap is clinical, meaning there are no special tests required. The diagnosis is usually made by a pediatrician based on symptoms and a physical exam of the baby's scalp and other affected areas.

Possible causes

The main causes of cradle cap include:

1. Increased activity of the sebaceous glands

Increased activity of the sebaceous glands can happen as a result of hormones from the mother that pass to the baby during pregnancy.

These hormones can cause an increased production of sebum or oil from these glands, resulting in a buildup of dead skin cells and leading to symptoms of cradle cap.

2. Fungal growth

The presence of Malassezia furfur, a type of fungus that normally lives on the skin, can contribute to scalp inflammation and skin flaking, as well as the development of cradle cap.

This is because this fungus has an affinity for sebum, allowing it to multiply in the presence of this oily skin secretion.

3. Genetic predisposition

Cradle cap also appears to have a genetic link.

It is more common for a baby to have cradle cap if there is a family history of atopic dermatitis or asthma.

Is cradle cap contagious?

Cradle cap is not contagious, and cannot pass from the baby to another person.

Cradle cap is also not related to poor hygiene or lack of proper care.

Treatment options

Cradle cap is a self-limiting condition, that is, it typically goes away on its own by the time the baby is 12 months old.

Despite this, your pediatrician may recommend certain treatments, such as:

1. Applying an emollient

Applying an emollient product to the baby's scalp may be indicated by your pediatrician to help hydrate the scales, plaques, and crusts, leaving them softer and easier to remove.

Some emollients that may be prescribed include mineral oil, baby oil, and vaseline, as well as certain brands of emulsions or creams to remove cradle cap.

2. Washing the baby's hair

Washing the baby's hair every day or every other day (as directed by your pediatrician) can help remove crusts and reduce their recurrence.

It is recommended to use a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo for babies or a shampoo specifically for cradle cap, such as Mustela shampoo for cradle cap.

3. Using a medicated shampoo

In some cases, your pediatrician may recommend the use of a medicated shampoo.

These shampoos are typically used in cases in which daily hair washing and emollients are not enough to improve the symptoms of cradle cap.

Medicated shampoos should only be used as directed by a pediatrician.

4. Applying an ointment

Some ointments for cradle cap, such as corticosteroid or antifungal ointments, may be prescribed by your pediatrician for severe cases of cradle cap.

These ointments help reduce inflammation and redness of the scalp and control the growth of fungi.

These ointments are typically only used when other treatments have proven ineffective or in cases of severe or extensive cradle cap.

How to remove

The following steps are recommended for removing the crusts and plaques associated with cradle cap:

Apply an oil or emollient cream to the plaques or crusts on the baby's scalp;
Massage the emollient in gently;
Let the emollient sit for about 30 minutes to soften the crusts;
Use a soft bristle brush or fine-toothed comb to remove the scales and crusts;
Wash the baby's hair with a gentle shampoo;
Massage the shampoo into the scalp gently to remove any oily buildup;
Rinse the baby's hair, making sure to rinse out the shampoo completely;
Dry the hair well using a clean, dry, soft towel.

In some cases, the pediatrician may recommend applying the emollient and letting it sit over night for better results.

It is important to avoid rubbing and picking at the crusts and scales, as this can cause skin irritation and injury and increase the risk for infection.