Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis)

Cradle cap is a common and harmless skin condition that affects many newborns in their first few weeks or months of life.

What It Looks Like

- Yellow, greasy, or waxy scales or crusts on the scalp

- May also appear behind the ears, on the eyebrows, or in skin folds

- Skin underneath may look red but is usually not itchy or painful

What Causes It?

- Thought to be linked to hormones passed from mom to baby before birth, which stimulate oil glands.
- It is not caused by poor hygiene, allergies, or an infection.
- Not contagious.

How to Treat It

• Gentle Care at Home:
• - Wash baby’s hair with a mild baby shampoo once a day.
• - Use a soft baby brush or toothbrush to gently loosen scales after washing.
• - Apply a little baby oil or coconut oil to soften thick patches before shampooing.
• If It’s More Severe:
• - Your doctor may recommend medicated shampoo (e.g. with ketoconazole or salicylic acid).
• - Mild corticosteroid cream may be prescribed.

When to See a Doctor

• - If the cradle cap spreads beyond the scalp
• - If the skin looks red, swollen, or starts to ooze (may indicate infection)
• - If it doesn’t improve with gentle care after a few weeks

Key Points

• - Cradle cap is harmless, not contagious, and not itchy.
• - It usually clears up on its own within a few weeks to months.
• - Be gentle—don’t pick or scrub the scales harshly.