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Advice: Cradle Cap

Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis)

Cradle Cap basics

  • Seborrheic dermatitis is a very common skin condition in infants.
  • When it occurs on the scalp, it is called cradle cap; it can also occur on the face, chest, neck or back.
  • We don’t know exactly why this occurs, but there is some thought that it is related to exposure to mom’s hormones during pregnancy.
  • It causes inflammation and scaling or flaking patches on the skin/scalp, and it sometimes causes redness or a mild itching.
  • Cradle cap often occurs between 3 weeks and 12 months of age, and usually goes away on its own.
  • It is not dangerous and complications are very rare. However, if it is bothering your child or if it is very pronounced, there are ways to treat it.

Treatment

  • Apply a layer of vaseline to your child’s scalp (note: this can be very messy and that’s ok!). It can be helpful to do this 30 minutes before bath time.
  • Wash your child’s hair more frequently (such as every other day). You can use Selsun Blue or Head and Shoulders shampoo once per week, but be careful to avoid your child’s eyes. Otherwise, use a fragrance free baby shampoo.
  • You can use a soft brush or a washcloth to help remove the plaques during bath time, and then use a fine tooth comb afterwards to remove them.
  • You can apply 1% hydrocortisone cream twice a day for up to one week if it is very red or itchy; your doctor may also recommend another anti-inflammatory cream or lotion.

When to seek care

  • If symptoms are not improving over the next few weeks
  • If you notice significantly worsening or streaking redness
  • If you are concerned

Additional Resrouces

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