Cradle Cap – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Cradle cap appears as oily or crusty patches on a baby’s scalp. These patches form white or yellow scales that can be difficult to remove. The good news is that this condition doesn’t cause pain or itching for your baby.
Most cases of cradle cap clear up without medical treatment within weeks or a few months. Daily washing with a mild baby shampoo helps loosen and remove the scales.
Remember not to scratch the affected areas, as this could cause irritation.
For persistent or severe cases, healthcare providers might recommend medicated shampoos, special lotions, or other treatments. Daily gentle care is usually enough to manage this common infant condition while it resolves on its own.
Signs and Symptoms
Cradle cap shows up as patches of scale or thick crusts on a baby’s scalp. The affected skin might look oily or dry with flaky scales that appear white or yellow. You may also notice skin flakes and mild redness in the area.
This condition doesn’t just affect the scalp. Similar scales might appear on your baby’s ears, eyelids, nose, and groin area.
Most newborns with a cradle cap don’t feel itchy or uncomfortable. This helps doctors tell the difference between cradle cap (infantile seborrheic dermatitis) and atopic dermatitis, which typically causes itching.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Take your baby to see a doctor if:
- Home treatments haven’t improved the condition
- The scaly patches spread beyond the scalp to your baby’s face or body
These signs might mean your baby needs different treatment or has another skin condition that requires medical attention.
What Causes This Condition
The exact cause of the cradle cap remains unknown. However, medical experts believe that hormones from the mother that pass to the baby before birth may play a role.
These hormones can trigger oil glands and hair follicles to produce excessive sebum (oil).
Another likely factor is a fungus called malassezia that grows in this excess oil, along with certain bacteria. The effectiveness of antifungal treatments like ketoconazole in managing symptoms strongly suggests that this fungus contributes to the condition.
It’s important to understand that cradle cap is not contagious, is not caused by poor hygiene, is not a result of allergies, and does not indicate that a baby is sick.
Risk Factors
Cradle cap affects many babies without clear causes. Experts have not identified specific factors that make some babies more likely to develop it than others.
Prevention
Keeping your baby’s scalp clean can help prevent cradle cap. Washing your baby’s hair every few days with a mild baby shampoo is usually enough.
If regular baby shampoo doesn’t seem effective, talk to your baby’s doctor, who might recommend a stronger product.
Regular hair washing helps remove the buildup of oils that can lead to cradle cap. Here are some simple prevention tips:
- Use lukewarm water and gentle baby shampoo
- Wash hair 2-3 times per week
- Gently massage the scalp while washing
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap
- Brush your baby’s scalp with a soft brush after bath time
