Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a common skin condition that affects babies' scalps. It looks different depending on the baby's skin tone.

On light-skinned babies: Cradle cap shows up as dry, flaky, and sometimes yellowish patches on the scalp. These patches might be thick and look crusty or greasy.

On darker-skinned babies: Cradle cap can look like patches of dry, flaky skin on the scalp. These patches might be thick, crusty, and greasy, and covered with white or yellowish flakes.

Essentially, cradle cap creates scaly, crusty, or oily patches on a baby's scalp. It's not painful or itchy for most babies, but the thick scales can be noticeable and sometimes hard to remove.

Luckily, cradle cap usually goes away on its own within a few weeks or months. A simple way to help is to gently wash your baby's scalp daily with a mild baby shampoo. This helps loosen and remove the flakes. Important: Don't try to scratch or pick at the cradle cap.

If the cradle cap doesn't clear up or if you're concerned about how severe it is, talk to your pediatrician or other healthcare provider. They might recommend a medicated shampoo, lotion, or other treatment options.

Newborn babies sometimes get a skin condition called cradle cap. It's a common, usually harmless skin rash that often appears on the scalp. Cradle cap looks like patches of flaky, dry skin. The flakes might be white, yellow, or even oily. Sometimes, the skin might be slightly red and irritated. Similar flaky skin can also show up on the baby's ears, eyelids, nose, or groin area. This is normal and usually not itchy. Cradle cap is also called infantile seborrheic dermatitis.

It's important to note that cradle cap is different from atopic dermatitis (sometimes called eczema). A key difference is that eczema often causes very itchy skin.

If you're noticing cradle cap on your baby's scalp, it's generally not something to worry about. However, you should talk to your baby's doctor if:

• You've tried home remedies and they haven't worked.
• The patches of flaky skin are spreading to other parts of your baby's face or body.

In most cases, cradle cap clears up on its own within a few months. But if you have concerns or if the condition seems to be worsening, it's always best to check with a healthcare professional.

If you're struggling to clear up your baby's cradle cap despite trying home remedies, it's important to see a doctor or other healthcare provider. Also, if the cradle cap spreads beyond the scalp to your baby's face or other parts of their body, a professional checkup is recommended. A healthcare professional can properly diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of treatment.

Cradle cap, a common skin condition in babies, often appears as a yellowish, crusty rash on the scalp. Doctors don't fully understand what causes it.

One possible reason is hormones. A baby might be exposed to some of the mother's hormones before birth. These hormones can sometimes overstimulate the oil glands and hair follicles on the baby's scalp. This leads to an increased production of sebum, a natural oil that keeps skin and hair healthy. However, having too much sebum can contribute to the development of cradle cap.

Another possibility is a type of fungus called Malassezia. This fungus can grow in the sebum along with bacteria. These fungi and bacteria can irritate the scalp and lead to the symptoms of cradle cap. Many times, antifungal medications are used to treat cradle cap, which suggests that Malassezia may be a contributing factor. One example of an antifungal medication is ketoconazole.

Important to remember, cradle cap is not contagious. It's also not a sign of poor hygiene. Good cleaning habits won't prevent it, and it's not spread from one baby to another.

Baby cradle cap is a very common skin condition. It's a yellowish, crusty rash that often appears on a baby's scalp. Doctors don't know of any specific reasons why some babies get cradle cap more than others. There aren't any particular things that are definitely linked to causing it. It's just something that happens to many babies.

Washing your baby's hair a few times a week can help keep cradle cap away. Use a gentle baby shampoo, unless a doctor or other healthcare provider recommends a different type of shampoo. Cradle cap is a common, often harmless, skin condition that can appear as a yellowish or white buildup on a baby's scalp. Washing regularly helps remove the buildup and keep the scalp clean and healthy. It's best to follow your healthcare provider's advice for any specific concerns about your baby's skin or scalp.

Doctors can often identify cradle cap just by examining a baby's head. A healthcare professional, like a doctor or nurse, will look at the baby's scalp to see if there are any signs of cradle cap. This condition, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a common skin problem in babies. It typically shows up as yellowish or white, scaly patches on the scalp. The patches might look a bit like dandruff.