Ask Our Experts: What's Cradle Cap?
 Cradle
cap is a common, if unglamourous, aspect of parenthhood.Family GP, Dr
Sue Morrison, offers a few words of advice on a sticky problem.
Raisingkids member's problem
My baby's head is covered in a flaky
rash. Could she have cradle cap?
Dr Morrison's advice
Cradle cap is a soft, slightly sticky,
scaly, yellow rash, which can completely cover a baby's scalp in the first
few months of life. It's actually a form of dermatitis called Seborrhoeic
Dermititis. In adults it's sometimes attributed to overgrowth of yeast,
but the cause in children is unclear.
Usually, it occurs in the scalp area, but it can affect behind the ears,
the skin creases, around the tummy button and nappy area. It's not itchy
or uncomfortable for the baby, but can make proud parents feel uncomfortable
when they want to show off their gorgeous new baby - although it's not
so obvious in babies with lots of hair.
No treatment will get rid of it but it's worth
rubbing in almond, arachis, olive or baby oil once a day, preferably leaving
it on over night to give it a chance to penetrate the scales. Similarly,
you can make a thick paste with baking soda and water - apply it at night
and wash it off next morning. Some of the cradle cap flakes will come
off with the dried paste, and don't be alarmed if some hairs come off
too. Your doctor may suggest a cream containing salicylic acid on prescription,
which aims to break the keratin (the thickening in the flakes, which is
also found in hairs).
The main things to remember are:
it gets better on its own... eventually.
it's normal for it to persist well into toddlerhood.
it doesn't affect hair growth in any lasting way.
none of the recommended treatments work particularly well. Usually
you just realise one day, as you're brushing your toddler's hair, that
it's gone.
Please note:
The medical and health-related information on this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. In the event of any physical or mental condition, seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay. Do not postpone medical treatment while awaiting a response from this site.
In an emergency always call 999 (UK only).
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