Cradle Cap? Causes, Care and Prevention
Cradle cap is a common skin condition that affects young babies, specifically babies aged under three months. It manifests as a thick, waxy, yellow crust on the baby’s scalp, and usually disappears on its own after a few months. While harmless, some parents might want to remove crusting and visible flakes on their baby's skin. Read on to learn more about cradle cap in babies, the visible signs, causes and how to remedy it.
What are the signs of cradle cap?
Cradle cap appears as yellow, greasy, waxy skin flakes and crusty patches on your baby's skin, more specifically their scalp. Cradle cap can also cause reddening of the skin, and may appear around the neck, behind the ears and in the eyebrows. It's very uncommon in babies older than three months, but if you notice skin crusting after three months, speak to your GP or paediatrician.
What causes cradle cap?
Cradle cap is caused by irritation and swelling of the oil glands, or sebaceous glands, in the hair follicles. These glands are essential to maintaining the skin’s protective moisture barrier, and if oil production is affected, it can cause the skin to dry out, then manifesting on babies’ scalps as crusty, waxy skin. Sebaceous glands are active in the mother’s womb, but once a baby is around three months the sebaceous glands are inactive until puberty.
How to remedy cradle cap
Cradle cap will go away on its own, but you can wash the scalp with a mild baby shampoo to help manage visible flakes in baby's hair. Don’t shampoo your baby’s scalp too often though, as this can dry out the scalp and potentially exacerbate the problem. A baby oil or olive oil can also soften the skin; rub very small amounts and shampoo and brush out the oil an hour later to avoid build-up. You may also be able to help get rid of cradle cap by gently lifting the crusting skin with a soft brush or comb.
How to prevent cradle cap
Cradle cap is a common and harmless skin condition, and not always preventable. But poor hygiene and very dry baby skin can exacerbate the problem. Regularly bathing baby and shampooing baby's hair can help to remove buildup of dead skin cells and excess oil. Try to also prevent baby from scratching the area. If skin appears crusty or scaly on other parts of the body or if you notice any unrecognisable marks or bumps you should get them checked by your GP or paediatrician.
Does cradle cap come back?
Cradle cap can come back yes, but it's not common for babies over 3 months to have this skin condition. If cradle cap continues past three months, speak to your GP.
CeraVe's baby skincare products
Baby Wash & Shampoo
CeraVe's gentle baby shampoo/cleanser is suitable for newborns and young kids. It can be used on your baby's scalp, face and body to gently cleanse the skin without compromising the skin moisture barrier.
Baby Moisturising Cream
For very dry skin on your baby's scalp, CeraVe's ultra-nourishing baby lotion can soothe and soften the skin for a happy, hydrated baby!