cradle cap

The cradle cap - A skin condition, common in babies and most prevalent between the age of 3 and 9 months, in which thick, yellow scales occur in patches over the scalp. Cradle cap, which is a form of seborrhoeic dermatitis, may also occur on the face, neck, behind the ears, and in the nappy area. The reason why cradle cap occurs is not clear, but the condition is not due to poor hygiene.

Cradle cap is harmless as long as the skin does not become infected. It can be treated by daily use of a simple shampoo. Alternatively, warm olive oil may be rubbed into the baby’s scalp and left on overnight to loosen and soften the scales, which can be washed off the following day. A mild ointment that contains an antifungal drug and a corticosteroid drug may be prescribed if the skin becomes inflamed.

Appearance of cradle cap Thick, yellow, scaly patches occur on the scalp of babies, most commonly between the age of 3 and 9 months. It is not clear why cradle cap occurs.