Cradle Cap

What is Cradle Cap?

Cradle cap is a skin condition found on a baby’s scalp (a type of seborrheic dermatitis) that commonly affects babies for the first few months of life.
Sometimes cradle cap lasts longer and occasionally even adults can get it.
Unlike other forms of dermatitis, cradle cap is not itchy.

Baby’s scalp can have a yellow dry skin with a crusty or a flaky appearance and no other symptoms such as fever.
Sometimes cradle cap presents with redness or a ‘greasy’ look.
Cradle cap may also appear on eyebrows and behind the ears.

Cradle cap is an oily rather than a dry skin problem.
Glands in the scalp that produce a substance that oils and waterproofs the skin may be overactive.
Babies may have high levels of certain hormones in their bodies after birth, which react with the glands, making surplus oil.
There may be a genetic element involved as babies who get cradle cap often have family members with dermatitis, eczema or asthma.

Generally the cradle cap clears up by itself after a few months, but you can help treat it by using the Little Innoscents Nourishing Oil.
Apply the oil directly to the scalp and leave it for several hours or overnight.
Wipe the area with a washcloth and rinse well when bathing the baby, and then comb your baby’s hair with a soft brush.
Repeat the process as needed and within a few applications the cradle cap will be gone.
Although cradle cap is unsightly, it is usually harmless.
On rare occasions, it is possible for an infection to occur underneath cradle cap, which is indicated by very red skin and blisters which may weep.
See your healthcare practitioner if the cradle cap seems to worsen significantly or if scaly patches spread to other parts of the body.
Babies who develop cradle cap may be prone to other types of seborrheic dermatitis such as dandruff when they are older.