A Ped’s Perspective: Cradle Cap
Seborrheic dermatitis or cradle cap is a very common finding in babies. It most often develops around 2 weeks of life and can continue for up to 1 year.
What does it look like?
Cradle cap often appears as red flaky skin on the scalp, but it can develop into raised yellow crusty/greasy scales. The underlying skin can appear red or inflamed, or sometimes in darker skin tones it can cause hypopigmentation (or lightening of the skin).
Where is it located?
It most often starts on the scalp, but it can involve the forehead, face, eyebrows, and/or in the crease behind the ears.
Is there a treatment?
Cradle cap is often asymptomatic, meaning it is not bothersome for your baby, and it clears up on its own within a few weeks to a few months.
Although it is generally not bothersome or even itchy for babies, it is often worrisome (and bothersome to look at) for parents. There is no treatment, but there are some supportive measures that can help the appearance of cradle cap.
Supportive measures:
Gently massage and wash hair with a mild soap every 1-2 days. Avoid soaps we added fragrance or chemicals- this baby soap is our favorite.
Release the flakes using a soft brush or a comb in the bath- cradle cap is often asymptomatic for babies, but thick plaques can be a bit itchy. I really liked this brush & comb duo- it is gentle on the scalp and also made from non toxic materials which is important to us.
Fractionated coconut oil or coconut oil from the kitchen warmed in your hand can help to loosen stubborn thick flakes to make it easier to remove. Massage a dime size amount onto the scalp and leave for a few minutes before using your brush or comb to gently remove the flakes. Wash scalp after oil treatment with mild soap.
It is important to avoid scrubbing the lesions or using abrasive brushes that can irritate the underlying skin. Any compromise or opening to the skin has the risk of developing a secondary superficial skin infection. Seek evaluation by your child’s medical provider if symptoms worsen with any supportive measures or become increasingly red or irritated.
Keep in mind that these are supportive measures, not treatments, for cradle cap. The lesions and flakes will often recur until it spontaneously self resolves on its own.
cradle cap
There is no treatment, it just takes time to go away on its own.
I hope you find this to be helpful reassurance as you navigate these first weeks/months with your baby. If you still concerned, know that your medical provider should always be happy to see and evaluate your little one in office too.
