Topic Overview
What is cradle cap?
Cradle cap is an oily, yellow
scaling or crusting on a baby's scalp. It is common in babies and is easily
treated. Cradle cap is not a part of any illness and does not imply that a baby
is not being well cared for.
See a picture of
cradle cap.
What causes cradle cap?
Cradle cap is the normal
buildup of sticky skin oils, scales, and sloughed skin cells.
How is it treated?
Cradle cap is not harmful to your baby. It usually
goes away by a baby's first birthday.
Home treatment is usually all
that is needed for cradle cap.
- An hour before shampooing, rub your baby's
scalp with baby oil, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly to help lift the crusts
and loosen scales.
- When ready to shampoo, first get the scalp wet,
then gently scrub the scalp with a soft-bristle brush (a soft toothbrush works
well) for a few minutes to remove the scales. You can also try gently removing
the scales with a fine-tooth comb.
- Then wash the scalp with baby
shampoo, rinse well, and gently towel dry.
When should I call the doctor?
If the
above measures do not work, talk to your doctor before using a
dandruff shampoo. If these
products get in your baby's eyes, they can cause irritation. Your doctor may prescribe other medicines.
Other Places To Get Help
Organizations
|
HealthyChildren.org |
| 141 Northwest Point Boulevard |
| Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 |
| Phone: |
(847) 434-4000 |
| Web Address: | www.healthychildren.org |
| |
|
This American Academy of Pediatrics website has information for parents about childhood issues, from before the child is born to young adulthood. You'll find information on child growth and development, immunizations, safety, health issues, behavior, and much more.
|
|
| American Academy of Family
Physicians |
| P.O. Box 11210 |
| Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210 |
| Phone: | 1-800-274-2237 |
| Fax: | (913) 906-6075 |
| Web Address: | www.familydoctor.org |
| |
The American Academy of Family Physicians offers information on adult and child health conditions and healthy living. Its website has topics on medicines, doctor visits, physical and mental health issues, parenting, and more. |
|
References
Other Works Consulted
- American Academy of Pediatrics (2009). Skin. In SP Shelov et al., eds., Caring For Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, 5th ed., pp. 813–836. New York: Bantam.
- Hall JC (2010). Seborrheic dermatitis section of Seborrheic dermatitis, acne, and rosacea. In Sauer's Manual of Skin Diseases, 10th ed., pp. 149–151. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MD, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics |
|---|
| Last Revised | June 3, 2011 |
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