CRADLE CAP

    

Cradle cap is the name given to the yellowish, greasy scaly patches that appear on the scalp of young babies. It is a very common, harmless condition that doesn't usually itch or cause discomfort to the baby. Cradle cap appears most often in babies in the first two months and tends to last only a few weeks or months. It usually clears up by the age of two, although in rare cases children can have cradle cap for a lot longer.

It usually starts on the scalp and can sometimes spread behind the ears. The patches may appear on other parts of your baby's body, such as the nappy area (groin), the nose, armpits or backs of the knees. When it appears on a part of the body other than the scalp, it is called by its medical term seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Cradle cap is recognisable by the large, greasy, yellow or brown scales that appear on your baby’s scalp. These scales will eventually start to flake and may make the affected skin appear red. Sometimes the hair may also come away with the flakes. Cradle cap has signs rather than symptoms. Signs are seen whereas symptoms are felt. If there are any symptoms, such as itching or swelling, you should speak to your GP because it may be another condition, such as atopic eczema. The signs of cradle cap include:

• greasy yellow patches on the scalp
• the affected skin area appears red
• scales and flakes on the scalp
• yellow crusts on the scalp

There is a possibility that the child will have hair loss when the patch falls off or is removed. Cradle cap is not a serious condition and should not cause your child any problems or irritation. However, it is important not to scratch or pick at the cradle cap, in case an infection develops.

Exactly what causes cradle cap is not clear, although it may be linked to overactive sebaceous glands. These are glands in the skin that produce an oily substance called sebum. Cradle cap is not contagious and is not due to poor health or hygiene. It is thought that some babies retain some of their mother's hormones in their bodies for several weeks or months after the birth. These hormones may make their glands more active, so they produce more sebum. The excess sebum causes old skin cells to stick to the scalp, instead of drying up and falling off as they would normally do.

Research has found that babies who get cradle cap often have family members with allergy-type conditions, such as asthma and eczema. There is also a possibility that a child who has cradle cap may have other types of seborrhoeic dermatitis, such as dandruff, when they are older.

There is no specific treatment for cradle cap and it usually clears up on its own in time. Gently washing your baby's hair and scalp may prevent a build-up of the scales and gently massaging baby oil, olive oil, or petroleum jelly into the scalp at night may help to loosen the crust.  . In the morning, using a soft baby brush or cloth, gently remove any loose particles, and then wash the hair with a baby shampoo. It is important not to pick at the scales as this may cause an infection.

Shampoos that contain ground nut oil or peanut oil are best avoided in children under five years old. There are shampoos available over the counter at pharmacies to loosen cradle cap. Check the patient information leaflet before you use these for any ingredients your child is allergic to, and follow the instructions carefully. You should avoid getting any in your baby's eyes as these shampoos are stronger than baby shampoo. Speak to your pharmacist for advice.

If the cradle cap becomes inflamed or infected, a course of antibiotics or an antifungal cream or shampoo, such as ketoconazole, may be prescribed by a doctor. A mild steroid cream such as hydrocortisone may be recommended for an inflamed rash.

If the cradle cap does not improve with treatment or your baby has signs of cradle cap on the face or body (seborrhoeic dermatitis), see your health visitor or GP for advice.

NHS UK 

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