Cradle cap treatment can feel urgent when you first notice thick, greasy scales across your baby’s scalp, but a gentle approach is usually best. It is easy to assume that the skin is dirty, painful or infected.
In most cases, cradle cap is harmless. It is a common form of infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis and usually clears without causing pain, itching or needing cradle cap treatment. The aim of cradle cap treatment is not to strip every scale away immediately. It is to keep the skin comfortable and gently loosen the build-up over time.
What does cradle cap look like?
Cradle cap often appears as white, yellow or brown greasy scales that join together into crusty patches. It commonly affects the scalp, but similar patches can appear around the eyebrows, ears, face, neck folds or nappy area.
The skin beneath the scales may look pink or red on lighter skin, or lighter or darker than the surrounding area on brown or black skin.
A baby’s hair may come away with loosened scales. This is usually temporary and the hair should grow back.
Is cradle cap painful or contagious?
Cradle cap is not contagious and cannot be passed between babies. It normally does not itch or hurt, and many babies appear completely unaware of it.
The precise cause is not fully understood. It is not the result of poor hygiene, and washing your baby’s scalp more aggressively will not cure it.
How long does cradle cap last?
It often improves within weeks or months and may disappear without treatment. Some babies continue to have patches for longer. Gentle home care can make the scales easier to remove, but there is no need to make the scalp perfectly clear in one session.
Cradle Cap Treatment: 3 Safe Steps
1. Soften the scales
Lightly massage a baby-safe emollient or a small amount of coconut oil into the affected scalp. Use enough to soften the scales without soaking the hair and skin.
Follow the product instructions. If your baby has eczema, allergies, broken skin or was premature, ask a pharmacist, health visitor or GP which product is suitable.
2. Brush gently
Use a soft baby brush to loosen the softened flakes. Move gently across the scalp without pressing, scraping or trying to lift firmly attached crusts.
Do not pick with your fingernails. Picking can damage the skin and increase the risk of infection.
3. Wash the scalp
Wash with a mild, unperfumed baby shampoo and rinse carefully. Avoid adult anti-dandruff shampoo unless a healthcare professional specifically recommends a treatment.
You can repeat this gentle cradle cap treatment regularly. Stop if the scalp becomes sore or irritated.
Products to avoid
The NHS advises against olive oil because it may not be suitable for use on a baby’s skin. Peanut oil should also be avoided because of allergy risk.
Do not use adult shampoos, perfumed products, harsh soap or essential oils. Natural does not automatically mean suitable for newborn skin.
Never use a comb to scrape beneath the crusts, and do not try to peel large areas away.
Can cradle cap spread beyond the scalp?
Yes. Greasy or flaky patches may appear around the eyebrows, behind the ears, in skin folds or in the nappy area.
For patches on the body, wash gently with water and an appropriate emollient rather than soap. Change wet or dirty nappies promptly and use a suitable barrier cream if the nappy area is affected.
Cradle cap or eczema?
Cradle cap is typically greasy, scaly and not itchy. Eczema is often dry, inflamed and itchy, although the two conditions can sometimes look similar or occur together.
Do not diagnose a widespread or uncomfortable rash from photographs alone. A pharmacist, health visitor or GP can examine the skin and recommend the right approach.
When to speak to a pharmacist or GP
Ask a pharmacist for advice on a suitable emollient, unperfumed baby shampoo or barrier cream.
Arrange medical advice if:
• The cradle cap does not improve after a few weeks of gentle treatment
• It spreads across large areas of the body
• The crusts bleed, leak fluid or smell unpleasant
• The skin looks swollen, very red or painful
• Your baby seems itchy, distressed or unwell
• You are not confident that the rash is cradle cap
Bleeding, fluid, warmth and swelling can suggest infection or another skin condition and should not be treated by simply applying more oil.
A calm approach works best
Cradle cap is one of those baby conditions that often looks worse than it feels. You do not need to attack it or clear it before anyone sees your baby.
Good cradle cap treatment means softening, brushing and washing gently. Protect the skin rather than chasing every flake.
For current NHS advice, see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cradle-cap/ In most cases, patience does more good than aggressive treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Leave Cradle Cap Alone?
Yes. Mild cradle cap that is not bothering your baby can be left to clear naturally. Gentle washing is sufficient.
Should I Wash My Baby’s Hair Every Day?
Regular gentle washing can help, but daily shampoo is not essential for every baby. Avoid over-washing if the skin becomes dry or irritated.
Can Cradle Cap Cause Hair Loss?
Some hair can come away with loosened scales, but this is usually temporary and should grow back. Treat cradle cap gently for comfort and scalp care, not to try to speed hair regrowth. Do not pick or force off scales. Speak to a pharmacist, health visitor or GP if you are worried about hair loss or the scalp looks sore.
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