Overview

Cradle cap is a harmless skin condition that's common in babies. It usually clears up on its own within 6 to 12 months, but there are things you can try to make it better.

Check if your baby has cradle cap

On the scalp, cradle cap can look like large patches of white or yellow scaly skin.

On black or brown skin, the affected area can look pink and white or grey scales.

The crusts may be greasy and can flake off, making the skin look red.

Cradle cap mainly affects the head and face, but sometimes it can appear on other places like the nappy area.

Cradle cap is not itchy or painful and does not bother your baby.

It's not clear what causes cradle cap. It cannot be caught from another baby.

Things you can try to get rid of cradle cap

Do:

• lightly massage an emollient (moisturiser) on to your baby's scalp to help loosen the scales.
• gently brush your baby's scalp with a soft brush and then wash it with baby shampoo.

Don't:

• do not use olive oil - recent research has found it may not be suitable for use on skin
• do not use peanut oil (because of the allergy risk)
• do not use soap or adult shampoos
• do not pick crusts - this can cause an infection

Hair may come away with the flakes, but do not worry, your baby's hair will soon grow back.

You can ask a pharmacist:

• about cradle cap treatments

Find a pharmacy

See a GP if:

• your baby's cradle cap does not get better after a few weeks of treatment
• your baby has cradle cap all over their body
• the crusts bleed or leak fluid
• the affected areas look swollen

Bleeding, leaking fluid and swelling could be signs of an infection or another condition, like eczema or scabies.