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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.
How is cradle cap 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.
How can you care for your child's cradle cap?
- Remember that cradle cap does not have to be treated. It almost always goes away on its own.
- If cradle cap bothers you, you can wash the scaling off your baby's scalp:
- Rub your baby's scalp with baby oil (or mineral oil, vegetable oil, or petroleum jelly) to help lift the crusts and loosen the scales. Put it on an hour before shampooing, or you can leave it on overnight.
- 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. Do not brush too hard or put pressure on your baby's head.
- Then, wash the scalp with baby shampoo, rinse well, and gently towel dry.
Cradle cap in children: When to call
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child's skin reddens at the armpit, the groin, or other areas.
- Your child's cradle cap continues after home treatment.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.