Causes
We don’t know exactly what causes cradle cap.
It’s thought to be influenced by the mother’s hormones, which still circulate in the baby’s bloodstream after birth. These hormones are thought to lead to an overproduction of oil (sebum) in the skin. This interferes with the natural shedding of skin on the scalp and creates a build-up of material over the scalp.
There’s also some evidence to suggest that the presence of yeast on the scalp can contribute to the build-up of scale. The exact relationship between these factors is unclear.
Symptoms
Most often cradle cap appears as a pale yellow scale or crust (which has an oily texture) at the back or on the top of the baby’s head. Sometimes the scale can also spread to the eyebrows and behind the ears. It’s difficult to peel off.
Your baby isn’t usually irritated by cradle cap. Cradle cap isn’t contagious.
When to see your doctor
Take your child to the doctor if:
- the cradle cap doesn’t improve after two weeks, despite simple treatment described below
- the rash is red or sore, or your baby’s scratching at it
- the rash seems to be spreading
- you’re in any doubt that the rash your baby has is cradle cap.
Treatment
Cradle cap usually clears by itself within a few months.
It’s possible to remove the scales if you want to. Applying olive oil, baby oil or soft paraffin (Vaseline) can help soften the crusts. Make sure you wash the oil off after one hour, otherwise it might make the cradle cap worse. After the oil has been washed off, try using a soft brush to gently lift out some of the scale.
There are also special shampoos that are effective in treating cradle cap. You can buy these from a chemist without a prescription. Make sure you follow the instructions when you use them.
Cradle cap might come back even after treatment, because the glands are still producing too much oil. It’ll sort itself out within a few months.
