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.