It can be in small patches or all over a babies scalp. Sometimes it covers their eye brows and even gets into the creases at their arm pits. Scaly, oily, yellowy brown in texture and color; it’s cradle cap, and it probably bothers the parents more than it bothers the baby. If it’s severe, persistent, or giving the baby an inflamed or itchy scalp, there are ways to treat it.
What is Cradle Cap?
Cradle cap is a crusty, scaly rash that is produced by the baby’s sebaceous glands producing too much oil, which causes old skin cells to collect and clump on the baby’s head. The result can be a dry, flaky scalp similar in appearance to dandruff, or a yellow brown crust, with a greasy texture. It is completely harmless and will usually clear up on its own within 6 to 12 months.
Cradle Cap Remedies
If the cradle cap does not seem to be bothering the baby, and is not spreading beyond the scalp, it is possible to simply let it go away on its own. However, if it is still around after the baby is 6 months old, or if it appears to be itchy, inflamed or bothersome, there are some home remedies that can be tried. Before trying a home remedy, remember to check with the pediatrician if the condition appears to be getting worse, is not clearing up or appears to be infected.
Use a Nylon Brush
A soft, nylon hair brush, specifically made for babies, can sometimes be used to loosen the cradle cap and remove the flakes. This method works better if the baby’s cradle cap appears more flaky than scaly or crusty.
After washing the baby’s head with a gentle baby shampoo, gently brush the scalp with the nylon brush to loosen and remove the flakes. Repeat every few days until the cradle cap is gone.
Change the Frequency of Shampoos
Every baby is different, and every baby’s scalp reacts differently to cradle cap and its remedies. If not washing the baby’s hair or scalp frequently, try washing it with a gentle baby shampoo more often. If daily washing of the hair and scalp appears to be making the cradle cap worse, by stimulating the sebaceous glands, try washing the baby’s hair and scalp only a few times a week, combing out the loose flakes afterward.
Soak the Cradle Cap in Baby Oil
If the cradle cap is particularly thick or crusty, try soaking the affected areas with baby oil. The oil will work to soften and loosen the cradle cap, making it easier to brush away. Be sure to wash the baby’s hair and scalp with a gentle shampoo after each treatment to remove the excess oil, and keep the condition from coming back.
Try a Seborrhea Shampoo
This should be used as a last resort, if the baby has particularly pronounced cradle cap, is over 6 months old and the doctor has been consulted. Shampoos containing tar, salicylic acid and selenium can remove the cradle cap fairly effectively, but are not “tear free”, nor are they made for a baby’s sensitive scalp and should only be used after all other methods have been tried and failed.
Remember that cradle cap is just temporary, and that while these methods may need to be used on and off until the cradle cap is gone for good, the problem should be gone by the time the baby is a year old and will soon be just a distant memory.
Sarabeth Asaff - Sarabeth Asaff is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for cooking and good food. Growing up in the kitchen of her Lebanese ...
