What is Cradle Cap?

Cradle cap is a common skin disorder affecting newborn babies, usually those younger than three months of age. The medical name for this condition is infant seborrheic dermatitis. It is generally not uncomfortable for the infant, except in severe cases when it may be itchy.^[1] Cradle cap in children, teenagers, and adults is usually known as seborrheic dermatitis or seborrhea. Seborrheic dermatitis can affect any part of the body, whereas the cradle cap is usually restricted to the scalp and face

What is the difference between cradle cap, eczema and psoriasis?

Cradle cap is a form of seborrheic dermatitis, which is a form of dermatitis, or skin inflammation. It is related to eczema, or atopic dermatitis, another form of dermatitis. However, seborrheic dermatitis is not as itchy or inflamed as atopic dermatitis. For more information, see this resource on atopic dermatitis.

Psoriasis is not a form of dermatitis, but it is often difficult to distinguish between psoriasis and dermatitis. Psoriasis, like seborrheic or atopic dermatitis, can affect the scalp or skin fold area. It is an inflammatory skin disorder, often appearing as red skin overlaid with white, flaky areas, which leads some people to confuse it with seborrheic dermatitis. However, psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system causing inflammation, which causes new skin cells to be produced and pushed to the surface too quickly. Because the body cannot shed these cells quickly enough, they build upon the skin surface and form red, scaly, itchy plaques.^[2]

Can older children, teenagers and adults get cradle cap?

Yes, although in older children, teenagers, and adults it is generally not known as cradle cap, but is instead called seborrheic dermatitis or seborrhea. Dandruff of the scalp is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis commonly found in teenagers and adults.

Signs and symptoms of cradle cap

Cradle cap usually occurs on the parts of the body that have the highest density of oil-producing (sebum) glands, which produce an oily, waxy substance. The parts of the body that are affected by cradle cap in babies include:^[1][3]

• The scalp
• The eyelids
• The face, around the nose, chin and mouth
• The forehead, the back of the ears or the back of the neck
• In other skin folds, for example in the armpits, inner elbows and backs of the knees
• The buttocks, gluteal cleft (groove between the buttocks), upper thighs and lower abdomen (the diaper area)

Good to know: Another rash that commonly affects the diaper area of infants and toddlers is diaper rash, also known as nappy rash. If a baby has irritated, itchy skin on other parts of their body, they may have baby eczema, a form of atopic dermatitis. If your baby has itchy skin or you are concerned that they may have a skin condition, Why not check the List of doctor Adoctor?

In cases of seborrheic dermatitis in toddlers, older children, teenagers, and adults, other parts of the body can be affected.[4] The general appearance of cradle cap/seborrheic dermatitis is the same in infants, toddlers, children, teenagers, and adults.

What does cradle cap look and feel like?

Cradle cap usually appears as a yellow or brown scaly layer on a baby’s scalp, that may look oily or waxy. The skin usually looks normal underneath the scales. However, the appearance of the cradle cap can vary. It can also present as:^[1][3][5]

• Mild, patchy scales
• Extensive, thick scaly patches
• Thick, oily yellow scales
• Brown crusting patches
• Red skin surrounded by pink patches; this is more common in skin fold areas
• Swollen areas of skin – more common in skin folds

Cradle cap is not the result of bacteria, an allergy, or an infection and should not feel hot to the touch, itch, smell or weep fluids. If the rash feels warm, smells bad, or weeps fluids, the infection may have occurred,^[1] and medical help should be sought.

Good to know: Whether or not cradle cap itches can vary depending on who is affected, which body part is affected, and how severe the problem is. Although babies are often not bothered by it, affected adults can experience considerable itching or even burning, especially when the rash affects the ear.^[4] However, although the cradle cap is not always itchy, other skin conditions affecting babies do itch. These include diaper rash and atopic dermatitis, as well as ringworm. If you are concerned that your baby may have a skin condition, You can search for the nearest doctor Find my doctor.

Cradle cap in toddlers, older children, teenagers and adults

Cradle cap is most common in babies younger than six months of age and often appears within the first few weeks of life. It usually goes away once the baby is older than nine months of age. In older children, conditions that cause symptoms that look like cradle cap include:^[6]

• Atopic dermatitis
• Impetigo
• Psoriasis
• Contact dermatitis including diaper rash
• Ringworm

Good to know: Atopic and contact dermatitis, impetigo, psoriasis, and ringworm, which are also common skin conditions in babies and young children, can be easily distinguished from cradle cap as they are all itchy. Cradle cap is not usually itchy in babies unless it is very severe.

Cradle cap can spread to the diaper area, but diaper rash is a separate condition, which manifests as irritated, tender, and red skin. This is caused by the infant’s skin coming into contact with a diaper that is soiled by urine or feces.^[7] Babies with diaper rash tend to be irritable because of the discomfort.^[8] For more information, see this resource on diaper rash.

What causes cradle cap in babies and adults?

What causes cradle cap is not entirely certain, but in babies, it may be the result of overactive oil-producing sebaceous glands, which are stimulated by the mother’s hormones.^[3] These glands produce sebum, an oily or waxy substance that lubricates and waterproofs the skin.

Another factor contributing to cradle cap or seborrhea in adults may be the colonization of the sebaceous glands by natural yeasts,^[3] specifically particular subspecies of the genus Malassezia.^[5] It is possible that these yeasts do not cause cradle cap, but rather take advantage of the overproduction of sebum that is already happening.^[6]

It is also likely that stress, chemical irritants, and dry, cold weather may play a role in causing cradle cap.[1] Cradle cap is not caused by bacteria, allergies, lack of hygiene, or lack of care.^[1] It is not contagious.^[3]

The cradle caps can be treated quite easily and will usually clear up within a few weeks or months.^[9]

In older people, cradle cap, or seborrheic dermatitis, can be caused by the same factors that lead to the condition in infants.^[10]

Diagnosis of cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis

To diagnose cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis, a doctor will make a visual inspection of the affected skin. Blood and other laboratory tests are not usually needed.

However, if the condition does not improve with treatment, it is possible that it is not cradle cap or seborrhea, but something that looks similar such as psoriasis or an allergic reaction. In such cases, it may be necessary to return to the doctor and possibly undergo tests to determine what is causing the problem. If you are concerned that you or your baby may have this condition, You can search for the nearest doctor Find my doctor.

How is cradle cap treated?

Mild cradle cap can be treated at home with easily available remedies like baby shampoo, baby oil, or almond or olive oil. A pharmacist may recommend trying petroleum jelly or coal tar shampoo. In most cases, these monitoring and home remedies do work. However, if the rash bleeds, oozes fluid, is hot to the touch, or spreads extensively, it is very important to see a doctor. In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe:^[11]

• Topical steroids such as hydrocortisone
• Antifungals such as ketoconazole or imidazole

Remedies for cradle cap

Home remedies can be effective in reducing discomfort and improving symptoms of mild or moderate cradle cap. More severe, or persistent, cases may need specialized treatments prescribed by a doctor. How long treatment is necessary depends on the method being used and how severe the condition is.

Home remedies for cradle cap

Cradle cap in babies can be treated at home. One way to treat cradle cap is to warm a small amount of clean, natural oil such as jojoba, almond, coconut, or olive oil, and massage it into the affected area. After 15 minutes, the flakes can be gently brushed off. The area should then be thoroughly shampooed, with special care taken to ensure that no oil remains on the skin.^[3] Flakes can be removed from the skin by softly brushing with a soft brush or terry cloth towel. Do not scratch the scalp with fingernails or other implements, as this may break the skin.

White petroleum jelly can be applied daily to the baby’s scalp and is known to soften scales, which can then be brushed off. Regular washing with baby shampoo is also useful.^[5] In some cases, coal tar shampoo may be used, but this can sometimes irritate the skin. The same is true for shampoos devised to control dandruff on the adult scalp; as these can sting, they are not very suitable for use on babies.^[11]

Good to know: There is some controversy about the efficacy of olive oil in the treatment of cradle caps. Some studies have shown that olive oil disturbs the natural skin barrier, but others have cast doubt on this.[6] General moisturizing lotions are also generally not used to treat or relieve cradle caps, as they contain fatty acids that may worsen the condition. Moisturizers designed specifically for use on skin affected by seborrheic dermatitis are available, and a doctor or dermatologist may be able to advise on which to use.

Other treatment options

Severe, persistent, or recurrent infantile seborrheic dermatitis can be treated with shampoos, creams, and gels. Hydrocortisone, imidazole, or ketoconazole are all available as prescription creams or gels for use in the treatment of severe cases of cradle cap. Imidazole or ketoconazole creams are applied several times a week, while hydrocortisone cream is applied daily.^[12]

Good to know: Steroid creams may help relieve inflammation and itching in the short term but, as they can lead to the recurrence of symptoms, and have other side effects, they should not be used for long periods.^[10]

Prevention of cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis

Cradle cap cannot be prevented. However, it is easily treated and need not affect the infant’s quality of life. Not all infants will be affected by cradle caps. Some ways of reducing the chance of skin irritation include:

• Making sure that all traces of shampoo, soap or cleansers are rinsed off the body during bathing, to reduce the chance of skin irritation
• Dressing the baby in well-fitting clothing that allows air to circulate, reducing the chances of skin irritation
• Choosing clothes made of natural rather than artificial fibers, as these improve air circulation and moisture regulation

FAQs

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1. National Eczema Association. “Seborrheic Dermatitis in Children.”. Accessed 7 May 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

2. PsoriasisSpeaks. “Causes of Psoriasis”. 2015. Accessed 19 September 2018. ↩

3. Babycenter. “Cradle cap (infantile seborrheic dermatitis).”. Accessed 7 May 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

4. American Academy of Dermatology. “Seborrheic dermatitis”. Accessed 19 September 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩

5. Medscape. “Seborrheic Dermatitis.”. 5 May 2018. Accessed 7 May 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩

6. Patient.info “Infant Seborrhoeic Dermatitis.”. 31 August 2016. Accessed 7 May 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩

7. Paediatrics and Child Health. “Skin care for your baby.”. March 2007. Accessed 5 May 2018. ↩

8. Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. “Nappy rash.”. March 2018. Accessed 5 May 2018. ↩

9. The National Eczema Society. “Infantile Seborrhoeic Dermatitis.”. Accessed 7 May 2018. ↩

10. AMBOSS. “Seborrheic dermatitis: seborrheic eczema”. 14 December 2017. Accessed 19 September 2018. ↩ ↩

11. Mustela USA. “Cradle cap.”. Accessed 7 May 2018. ↩ ↩

12. American Family Physician. “Newborn Skin: Part I. Common Rashes.”. January 2008. Accessed 7 May 2018. ↩

13. NHS. “Cradle cap”. 1 April 2017. Accessed 20 September 2018. ↩

14. Philip Kingsley. “Cradle cap”. Accessed 20 September 2018. ↩

15. The Bump. “Your Ultimate Guide to Baby Rashes”. December 2017. Accessed 20 September 2018. ↩

16. MomJunction. “Fungal Skin Infection In Babies – Causes, Symptoms And Treatments You Should Be Aware Of”. 29 July 2015. Accessed 20 September 2018. ↩

17. Integrative Medicine (Fourth Edition). “Seborrheic Dermatitis”. 2018. Accessed 20 September 2018. ↩

## What is Cradle Cap?



**Definition:**



Cradle cap, also known‌ as infantile seborrheic dermatitis**, is a common‍ skin condition that affects infants during the first few months of life. It is characterized⁤ by dry, flaky or crusty patches on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, or ‍behind the ears.



**Causes:**



The exact cause of cradle cap ‌is unknown,​ but it⁣ is believed to‌ be caused by a combination of ​factors,​ including:



* Overproduction ⁤of sebum (oil) by‌ the ⁣sebaceous glands in the scalp

*‍ Malassezia, a type of yeast ⁣that normally‌ lives on ⁢the scalp

* Hormonal changes in the‍ infant



**Symptoms:**



The most common symptom of cradle cap is:



* Dry, scaly‌ or crusty patches ‍on the scalp, ⁣which may​ vary in color from⁣ yellow to white



Other possible symptoms⁤ include:



* Patches on the eyebrows, eyelids, or behind the ears

* Mild redness⁣ or inflammation

* Itching or irritation

* Slight hair loss⁢ in affected areas



**Treatment:**



While cradle cap is not harmful and usually clears up on its own within a few‌ months,⁢ there are some treatments that can help‌ manage the symptoms:



* ⁢**Shampooing:** Washing the infant’s hair regularly with a gentle baby shampoo can help⁢ remove ‍crusty scales.

* **Moisturizing:** Applying a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer or petroleum jelly to ⁣the affected areas can help soothe and hydrate‌ the skin.

* **Brushing:** Softly brushing the baby’s​ scalp with a soft-bristled ​brush can help loosen⁢ and remove the scales.

* **OTC medications:** Over-the-counter ⁣anti-fungal creams or shampoos containing ingredients like selenium ⁣sulfide ⁤or ketoconazole can help control Malassezia yeast.

* **Medical treatment:**‍ In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe prescription-strength medications‍ or recommend a referral to a dermatologist.



**Prevention:**



There is no ⁤sure way to prevent cradle cap,⁣ but there are some steps that may help reduce the risk:



* ​Avoid over-washing the baby’s hair or using harsh soaps or shampoos.

* Keep the baby’s scalp clean and dry by using a soft, damp ‍cloth‍ to wipe⁤ away any excess ‍oil or sweat.

* If using a humidifier,⁤ make sure it is⁣ clean and the humidity level is not too high, as this can ⁣promote‍ yeast growth.



**Additional Information:**



* Cradle cap is not contagious and is not a sign ⁤of poor hygiene.

*‌ It is important to avoid using harsh treatments or picking at the crusty patches, as this ​can irritate the skin and lead to infection.

* If‍ the condition does​ not improve with home treatment or if ‌the baby ‍experiences severe ⁢symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical advice⁢ from a healthcare professional‍ or dermatologist.