Cradle cap is a harmless skin condition that appears as scaly or crusty areas on a baby’s scalp, usually up to six months old. It is caused by overactive sebaceous glands and can be treated with gentle baby shampoo and brushing. If it persists beyond six months, consult a doctor.
Cradle cap is a common skin condition that occurs in infants and toddlers, usually up to the age of 6 months. Cradle cap appears as a scaly, scaly, or crusty area on a baby’s scalp, usually directly on the top, although sometimes in the back of the neck or around the ears. Although it is annoying to see, it is harmless to the newborn and cradle cap is not the result of an infection of any kind nor is it the result of poor hygiene.
The cause of cradle cap is somewhat of a mystery, but many medical professionals believe it is likely the result of overactive sebaceous glands due to hormones present in the babies from the mother. As baby’s skin sheds dead skin cells and generates new ones, the dead skin cells stick to the new ones due to excess oil underneath. Although cradle cap generally appears in most babies between birth and three months, it can be present in babies up to six months without concern. On rare occasions, dermatitis can develop and persist in children over six months and also affect the skin.
Treatment for cradle cap is usually simple and while there is no medical risk associated with having cradle cap, treatment is usually suggested to improve the appearance and relieve any itching that may accompany the condition. To treat cradle cap, wash your baby’s hair with a mild, tear-free baby shampoo every day. Make sure you rinse off all residue from your baby’s scalp. Apply a small amount of baby oil or baby lotion to the scalp to help loosen the flakes, then gently brush the scalp and hair with a soft-bristled baby brush. Most doctors do not recommend the use of medicated shampoo on infants, but if cradle cap is a persistent or extreme problem, a medicated shampoo may be prescribed.
If your baby has cradle cap, don’t be offended and don’t assume that you are taking care of your baby. It is a common condition that any baby can have and generally begins to dissipate between three and six months and then disappears altogether. If cradle cap appears to persist or develop beyond six months, consult your pediatrician or GP for further possible treatment.
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