Cradle Cap

Many babies will get cradle cap, and while it may look concerning at first, it doesn’t usually cause your baby to feel uncomfortable. Most of the time cradle cap will clear up on its own, or with a few steps you can take at home. If you’re at all worried about your baby’s cradle cap, our team of paediatric dermatologists can help you to understand how to care for your baby’s skin.

What is cradle cap?

Cradle cap is the name given to the yellowish, scaly patches that often appear on a baby’s scalp. These flakes can look similar to dandruff and may stick to the hair and skin. Although it might appear inflamed or flaky, cradle cap doesn’t usually itch or bother your baby. It’s a harmless condition that tends to resolve itself over time.

What causes cradle cap?

While it unclear what the exact cause of cradle cap is, many experts link the common condition to overactive sebaceous (oil) glands in your baby’s skin, and on their scalp. These glands can produce too much oil, which causes dead skin cells to stick together instead of falling away naturally. This build-up creates the characteristic scaly patches. 

If your child has cradle cap, it’s not a sign of poor hygiene, or an underlying allergy.

How do I know if my child has cradle cap?

Cradle cap is fairly easy to spot. You might notice:

• Greasy, yellow or white scales or flakes on your baby’s scalp
• Patches of scaly skin that may look crusty
• Affected areas that can sometimes appear slightly red beneath the flakes

It’s usually found on the scalp, but in some cases, patches of a similar appearance might show up on your baby’s face, behind their ears, or in skin folds such as the armpits or nappy area.

Can you effectively treat cradle cap at home?

In most cases, cradle cap will go away without any need for  medical treatment. However, there are gentle steps you can take at home to help loosen the flakes  on your baby’s scalp, to improve their skin:

• Wash your baby’s hair regularly using a mild baby shampoo
• Gently massage their scalp with your fingers or a soft baby brush to loosen the flakes
• Apply a gentle massage oil  to soften the scales before washing your baby’s hair – just be sure to rinse it off thoroughly

It's really important that you don’t pick at the flakes, as this can cause irritation, bleeding, or infection.

Do most babies have cradle cap?

Cradle cap is very common in babies. Many experience it in early infancy, and it’s one of the most frequently seen skin conditions in young babies. Although it may look unpleasant, it’s generally harmless and not a cause for worry.

What's the most common age for babies to get cradle cap?

Cradle cap most often appears within the first six weeks of a baby’s life, although it can develop any time. It’s rare for it to develop in older children, although there can be some residual flakes on the scalp at this stage. 

Does cradle cap appear anywhere but the scalp?

Although you’re most likely to see cradle cap on a baby’s scalp, it can also affect other parts of their body. Similar greasy, scaly patches might show up behind the ears, on the eyebrows, or in the creases of the neck, armpits, or nappy area. That’s most likely because these areas are sometimes more prone to moisture and oil build-up, which can make them susceptible to symptoms of cradle cap.

Is cradle cap contagious?

No – cradle cap is not contagious. It can’t be passed from baby to baby, and it doesn’t indicate an infection or poor hygiene. 

How long does cradle cap usually last?

While cradle cap usually goes away without the need for medical treatment,  some babies may have recurring patches that come and go. These tend to become less frequent and eventually disappear altogether without the need for ongoing treatment.

Should you seek help if your baby’s cradle cap doesn’t clear up?

In most cases, cradle cap is harmless and doesn't need medical treatment. However, you should contact your GP or health visitor if:

• The cradle cap spreads to other areas of the body 
• The skin becomes red, swollen, or starts to weep
• You notice signs of infection, such as oozing, crusting, or discomfort

Visit our London clinic

While cradle cap is a normal part of many babies’ lives, it’s important that you seek medical advice if you’re at all concerned. Please make an appointment online or call 020 7244 4200 to find out more about how we can help you.