What causes it?It's not known what causes cradle cap. It's not due to poor hygiene and isn't contagious or an allergy. Cradle cap tends to run in families, so there may be a genetic predisposition. What are the symptoms?Cradle cap begins on the scalp as a red, scaly rash. The scales mount up to form a thick, yellow layer, or plaques, that look like scabs stuck to the skin. The dermatitis may then spread across the body. It tends to occur in areas with a lot of sebaceous or oil glands, such as the eyebrows, eyelids, creases of the nose, behind the ears, under the arms and in the groin. Occasionally, babies also have seborrhoeic dermatitis elsewhere on their body, especially in the groin or neck area. It isn't itchy (unlike eczema) and the child isn't usually bothered by it. Occasionally, there is hair loss in the affected area. In most cases, the condition settles with time. There may be occasional recurrences or flare-ups. There's also a risk of a secondary bacterial infection if the skin becomes very inflamed, broken or scratched. Who's affected?Cradle cap usually appears in the first two months of life and rarely persists beyond three years. Children with cradle cap are more likely to develop eczema in later years. What's the treatment?In mild cases, no particular treatment is needed and the condition settles over time. Massaging baby oil, olive oil or petroleum jelly into the scalp at night helps loosen the scales. The following morning, gentle massaging with fingers or a soft brush may help remove the loosened scales - but don't pick at the skin - and then wash with a mild baby shampoo. An antifungal cream may be recommended, and a mild steroid cream for itchy areas of skin. In older children, over-the-counter dandruff or medicated shampoos can reduce flaking and dryness.
This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in January 2008
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