cradlecap

iHV Parent Tips

Helping parents understand Cradle Cap Cradle cap is a common skin condition in babies which appears in the first 6 weeks of life and is thought to develop because babies produce more oil (sebum) from the sebaceous glands in their skin. Cradle cap is sometimes called ‘infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis’.

Many babies have mild cradle cap which usually disappears after a few months but for some babies it can take up to 6-9 months to clear.

Cradle cap isn’t contagious and it can’t be prevented from developing.

Cradle cap appears as greasy, yellow/brown, scaly patches on the scalp. Some babies have a thick, scaly layer covering the whole scalp. Over time these scales may become flaky and rub off easily.

Sometimes, when these greasy scales lift off, hair may come out with them, but don’t worry – your baby’s hair will soon grow back.

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For additional fact sheets see www.ihv.org.uk The information in this fact sheet was correct on 19.5.14. © Institute of Health Visiting 2014

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iHV Parent Tips Helping parents understand Cradle Cap Cradle cap is not usually itchy, sore or uncomfortable so your baby should feed, play and sleep normally.

Your baby’s cradle cap should settle by itself but you can wash their hair with a baby shampoo and gently brush hair with a soft brush to loosen scales. It’s tempting to pick the scales off but it’s important not to do this as you could cause an infection on your baby’s scalp.

If the scales need softening, massage baby oil or vegetable oil (there is some doubt now about whether olive oil should be used – see below) or a greasy emollient such as white petroleum jelly (Vaseline, for example) into your baby’s scalp and leave overnight.

Next morning use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove any loose scales and then wash your baby’s hair with a baby shampoo.

Sometimes cradle cap and a rash can spread to other areas such as the forehead, temples, eyebrows, back of neck, behind the ears, armpits and nappy area. If you are worried speak to your Health Visitor or GP as you may need other treatments for your baby.

Recent research indicates that olive oil may not be suitable for use on the skin, so it may be best to avoid using it to treat your baby’s cradle cap or any other skin condition. Always consult your GP or Health Visitor for the latest advice on treating skin complaints and any other health concerns you may have.

Useful websites: NHS Choice (2013) Cradle Cap [Accessed 8th April 2014]:

bit.ly/UMUpiz

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2013) NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. Seborrhoeic Dermatitis [Accessed 8th April 2014]:

bit.ly/1uDqJii Patient UK:

bit.ly/1phVnwj

Supported by NHS

For additional fact sheets see www.ihv.org.uk The information in this fact sheet was correct on 19.5.14. © Institute of Health Visiting 2014

The Start4Life Information Service for Parents provides free information and advice.

Find out more at: bit.ly/1iC4rrO