Cradle cap, also known as infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis, is a very common, harmless skin condition that affects babies. It presents as greasy, yellowish, scaly patches on the scalp, but can sometimes appear on the eyebrows, eyelids, ears, or around the nose.
The exact cause isn't fully known, but it's believed to be linked to overactive sebaceous glands in the baby's skin, which produce too much oil. This oil can trap dead skin cells, leading to the characteristic scales. It's not caused by poor hygiene, an allergy, or an infection.
In most cases, cradle cap doesn't bother babies at all and isn't itchy or uncomfortable. However, in some rare instances, if the condition is severe or becomes inflamed, it might cause mild irritation. If your baby seems distressed or the skin looks red or swollen, consult a healthcare professional.
Gentle home care is often very effective. You can try regularly washing your baby's hair with a mild baby shampoo and gently brushing the scalp with a soft brush to loosen the flakes. Applying a baby oil or emollient a few hours before washing can help soften the scales, making them easier to remove during washing.
You should consult your GP or a health visitor if the cradle cap: spreads to other parts of the baby's body, looks red or swollen, starts to bleed, seems to be bothering your baby (e.g., they are scratching it), or if it doesn't improve with regular washing and gentle treatment.
Cradle cap usually lasts for a few weeks or months, but in some cases, it can persist until a child is a year old or slightly older. It typically clears up on its own without medical intervention. However, using targeted Baby Shampoos can help speed up the process by gently loosening the scales.
