Cradle cap causes a build-up of white or brownish-yellow flakes on the baby’s scalp (and sometimes their forehead).
Cradle cap can start soon after a baby is born up to about 12-18 months.
What causes cradle cap?
We don’t know why some babies are affected by cradle cap.
One theory suggests that babies have high levels of their mother’s hormones circulating their bodies for several weeks or months after birth. These hormones enlarge the glands in the skin, making more sebum, which oils the skin.
Symptoms of cradle cap
- Red skin on the head
- Greasiness of the scalp
- Flakes on the scalp
- Yellow crusts on the head
Cradle cap does not cause bleeding, irritation or fever.
If the scalp becomes red or inflamed or occurs beyond just the scalp, it is known as seborrhoeic dermatitis and requires a different treatment.
Treatment of cradle cap
Cradle cap is harmless, it just looks unsightly!
To loosen the flakes from the baby’s scalp, massage a little warmed olive oil into the baby’s scalp and leave it on there for about an hour. Either comb out the flakes with a comb or brush them out with a soft brush and follow by shampooing the baby’s hair. Try the olive oil on a frequent basis and wash the baby’s scalp and hair about 3-4 times a week and try to ensure all hair care products used are organic.
If this method does not resolve the cradle cap, then see a doctor for further advice
References
- Cradle cap. National Institutes of Health USA. Accessed 7 July 2024
- Cradle cap (infantile seborrheic dermatitis). DermNet, USA. Accessed 7 July 2024
- Kid’s health information – cradle cap. The Royal Children’s Hospital, Australia. Accessed 7 July 2024
Last reviewed and updated: 7 July 2024
