Cradle cap is a very common, harmless skin condition in young babies. It shows up as yellowish or brownish, greasy, scaly patches on the scalp that can build into a crust. It isn't itchy or painful, it isn't contagious, and it doesn't mean your baby isn't being cared for properly. Most cases clear up on their own within a few weeks to months. A simple routine of softening, gentle brushing and baby shampoo can help it shift sooner.
What does cradle cap look like?
The NHS page on cradle cap describes white or yellow greasy scales on the scalp and sometimes the face, which may form a crust. On white skin, the skin under the scales may look pink or red. On brown or black skin, it may look lighter or darker than the skin around it.
It usually starts on the scalp and can spread to the eyebrows and behind the ears. When the same kind of rash appears elsewhere, it's called infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis. Australia's Pregnancy, Birth and Baby service lists the nappy area, the creases of the neck, the nose and the armpits as common spots.
What causes cradle cap, and is it contagious?
The exact cause isn't known. It is a form of seborrhoeic dermatitis, which involves the skin's oil (sebaceous) glands:
- The Australian Pregnancy, Birth and Baby page says hormones passed from mother to baby around birth may make these glands produce extra oil (sebum), which makes old skin cells stick to the scalp instead of flaking off.
- KidsHealth's guide to cradle cap says a yeast that normally lives on the skin, called Malassezia, may also play a part.
Cradle cap is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. The Australian page also notes that babies with cradle cap often have family members with allergy-type conditions such as asthma and eczema, and that some go on to have dandruff when they are older.
How long does cradle cap last?
| Source | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (Australia) | Most often in the first 3 months; often lasts only a few weeks; very uncommon after 1 year |
| NHS (UK) | Usually goes on its own within a few months |
| KidsHealth (US) | Can appear between 2 weeks and 12 months; usually better by 12 months |
It can come back for a while after it clears, because the oil glands may still be overactive. If it does, you can simply repeat the same gentle routine.
How do I get rid of cradle cap safely?
Cradle cap doesn't need treatment, but these steps can help it improve faster. They combine advice from the NHS, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, KidsHealth and the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne fact sheet on cradle cap in Australia.
- Soften the scales. At night, gently massage a small amount of unperfumed moisturiser or emollient into the scalp. KidsHealth says it can be left on for a few minutes to several hours if the scales are stubborn.
- Brush gently. In the morning, use a soft baby brush, a new soft toothbrush or a cloth to lift loose scales. Lift, don't scrape.
- Wash with baby shampoo. Use a mild baby shampoo and rinse well, keeping it out of your baby's eyes. KidsHealth suggests washing once a day while you treat it.
- Repeat daily until the scalp looks clearer, then as needed if it returns.
Some hair may come away with the scales. The NHS says it will grow back.
If cradle cap shows up in skin creases or the nappy area, the NHS suggests bathing with water and an emollient instead of soap, changing wet or dirty nappies promptly, and using a barrier cream. See nappy rash and bathing a newborn for more.
What should I avoid putting on cradle cap?
- Picking or scratching the crusts. The NHS and Australia's Pregnancy, Birth and Baby both warn this can lead to infection.
- Soap, adult shampoos and fragranced products. The NHS advises against them.
- Peanut oil. The NHS says to avoid it because of the allergy risk, and Australia's Pregnancy, Birth and Baby advises care with any nut or seed oils.
- Olive oil, depending on whose advice you follow. The NHS and Australia's Pregnancy, Birth and Baby say to avoid it, and the Australian page says it can lead to a yeast infection. Australia's Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne says it is safe. A plain, unperfumed moisturiser avoids the question.
- Medicated products without advice. KidsHealth says not to use over-the-counter steroid or antifungal creams or anti-seborrhoea shampoos without checking with your doctor first. Never use medicines on your baby's skin without checking the label and asking a pharmacist or doctor.
Dandruff shampoos: advice differs. Australian sources (Pregnancy, Birth and Baby and the Royal Children's Hospital) say a mild anti-dandruff shampoo or a special cradle cap shampoo from a pharmacy can be tried if the basic routine hasn't worked, with care to keep it out of your baby's eyes. The NHS advises against adult shampoos. Ask your pharmacist which product suits your baby's age, and stop and see a doctor if it makes the skin worse.
Is it cradle cap, eczema or an infection?
| What you see | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Greasy yellow scales, baby not bothered | Cradle cap | Home routine above |
| Very itchy, or still there after 3 months | Possibly scalp eczema | See your GP or health visitor |
| Weeping, oozing, smelly, bleeding or swollen | Possible skin infection | See a doctor promptly |
| Scaly patches spreading to face or body | Seborrhoeic dermatitis or another rash | See your GP |
The Australian Royal Children's Hospital fact sheet says the skin under the crusts can become infected with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and may need antibiotics. It also says scaly patches elsewhere on the face or body are not cradle cap and should be checked by a doctor.
When should I see a doctor about cradle cap?
Call 999 now if your baby is struggling to breathe, is blue or very pale, can't be woken, or has a seizure. Those are the ambulance signs in the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne fever fact sheet in Australia.
Call 999 or go to the nearest A&E if your baby is under 3 months and has a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or more. Australia's healthdirect says to take a baby under 3 months with a fever to the nearest A&E. The RCH says a baby under one month with a fever should go to hospital, and a baby under three months should see a doctor as soon as possible. See fever in babies.
See a doctor today if:
- the cradle cap is weeping, oozing, inflamed or smells, or the crusts bleed or look swollen
- the infection seems to be spreading, or your baby seems unwell
See your GP or health visitor soon if:
- it is itchy
- it is still there after your baby is 3 months old
- it spreads to other parts of the face or body, or covers your baby's whole body
- it isn't improving after a few weeks of home care.
A doctor can rule out other conditions such as eczema. Australia's Pregnancy, Birth and Baby says treatments a doctor may consider include medicines to soften scales, steroid creams and antifungals; follow their instructions and the product label.
What's worth noting while you treat it?
A dated photo every few days shows whether the patches are shrinking or spreading, which is hard to judge day to day. Note any new products you've tried and any change after them, so you can tell your GP or health visitor what has and hasn't helped.
