Cradle Cap

What is cradle cap?

Cradle cap is a very common skin condition that affects babies. It's completely harmless and doesn't cause your baby any discomfort. Nearly all babies get it at some point, and it usually clears up on its own within a few months.

What does cradle cap look like?

The main sign is patches of greasy, scaly skin that look like:

• White or yellow greasy scales on your baby's scalp and face
• A crusty layer that might flake off
• Small, dry flakes in the nappy area
• Patches that can spread to skin creases

The scales look the same on all babies, but the skin underneath might look:

• Pink or red if your baby has white skin
• Lighter or darker than normal if your baby has brown or black skin

Don't worry - cradle cap doesn't itch or hurt your baby. They won't even notice it's there.

What causes cradle cap?

We don't know exactly what causes cradle cap, but we do know:

• It's not caused by poor hygiene
• It can't be caught from other babies
• It's not your fault as a parent
• It's just one of those things that happens to babies

How can you help treat cradle cap?

There are simple things you can do at home to help:

Do:

• Gently massage baby moisturiser or coconut oil into your baby's scalp to soften the scales
• Use a soft brush to gently brush the scalp, then wash with baby shampoo
• Bath your baby regularly using water and moisturiser instead of soap
• Change wet or dirty nappies quickly if cradle cap affects the nappy area
• Use barrier cream to protect the skin in the nappy area

Don't:

• Use olive oil (it might not be suitable for baby's skin)
• Use peanut oil (allergy risk)
• Use adult shampoos or scented products
• Pick at the crusts (this can lead to infection)

Don't panic if some of your baby's hair comes away with the scales - this is normal and the hair will grow back.

Getting help from a pharmacist

Your local pharmacist can suggest:

• Safe moisturisers for your baby's scalp
• Gentle, unscented baby shampoos
• Barrier creams for the nappy area

When to speak to your GP

Most cradle cap gets better on its own, but speak to your GP if:

• The cradle cap doesn't improve after a few weeks of treatment
• It spreads all over your baby's body
• The crusts start bleeding or leaking fluid
• The affected areas look swollen or red

These last three signs could mean there's an infection or another skin condition that needs proper medical attention.

Remember

Cradle cap is incredibly common and nothing to worry about. Most babies get it, and it almost always goes away by itself. The simple treatments above can help speed things up, but time is often the best healer.

If you're ever concerned about your baby's skin or health, don't hesitate to speak to your GP or health visitor.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.