Cradle cap

Cradle cap is a common, harmless skin condition in newborns and infants. It is characterized by scaly, greasy patches that appear on the baby's scalp. The condition is not contagious and usually clears up on its own within a few months.

Causes

The exact cause of cradle cap is not known. However, it is believed to be caused by the overproduction of skin oil (sebum) in the oil glands and hair follicles. A type of yeast (fungus) called Malassezia can grow in the sebum along with bacteria, and this may be another factor in the development of cradle cap.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of cradle cap include:

• Patchy scaling or thick crusts on the scalp
• Greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales
• Skin flakes or dandruff
• Possibly mild redness
• Similar scales may also be found on the ears, eyelids, nose and groin.

Treatment

Cradle cap usually doesn't require medical treatment as it usually resolves on its own. In severe cases, or if the condition persists, a pediatrician may recommend a specific shampoo or lotion to loosen the scales.

Prevention

While it may not be possible to prevent cradle cap, regular washing and shampooing of the baby's scalp may help to prevent build-up of scales, and thus reduce the severity of the condition.

Cradle cap Resources
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