Cradle cap is the common name for infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis, a harmless skin condition that causes yellow or brown greasy scales on a baby's scalp. It often appears in the first three months and almost always clears up on its own by the time a baby is one or two years old. It does not itch, does not bother most babies, and is not a sign of poor hygiene.
Because it looks dramatic, it is one of the most common reasons parents bring a baby to the pharmacy counter in the first year of life. Here is what actually helps, and what to avoid.
What cradle cap is not
It is not eczema, nappy rash moved upwards, a fungal infection, or an allergic reaction. Unlike eczema, it does not itch and the skin underneath is not red and weeping. If a baby is scratching the scalp, rubbing it on bedding, or the skin is weeping, cracked or very red, it is probably something else and worth a GP check.
Gentle self-care first
National guidance is that soft brushing and gentle washing is the first step.
- Massage a small amount of plain baby oil, olive oil or coconut oil into the scaly areas.
- Leave it on for 15 to 60 minutes, or overnight, to soften the scales.
- Use a soft baby brush to loosen the flakes gently.
- Wash with a mild baby shampoo and rinse well.
Do not pick at the scales, scrub the scalp, or use any medicated adult shampoo without advice. Babies' skin absorbs ingredients more readily than adult skin.
Pharmacy products that can help
If gentle care has not worked after a few weeks, pharmacies stock specific cradle cap treatments. Common options include:
- Dentinox Cradle Cap Shampoo — suitable from birth. Designed to loosen scales with mild ingredients.
- Oilatum Baby Shampoo — emollient-based, gentle.
- Mustela Foam Shampoo for Newborns — available in many independent pharmacies.
Adult anti-dandruff shampoos containing ketoconazole or selenium sulphide are not licensed for infants in the UK. A GP may suggest a low-strength version in stubborn cases, but a pharmacist will not normally hand one over for a baby without a prescription.
Safety points
- Avoid essential oils such as tea tree oil on baby skin. Reactions are not rare.
- Never use cotton buds or sharp implements to lift scales — the skin underneath is thin and scratches easily.
- If the whole scalp is inflamed and oily flakes are spreading to eyebrows and behind the ears, that is still usually seborrhoeic dermatitis and most cases settle with the measures above.
When to see a GP or health visitor
Most babies never need a professional review. Book one if:
- Scales are very thick, spreading to the face, body or nappy area.
- The skin is red, cracked, weeping or bleeding.
- The baby seems uncomfortable, itchy, or not feeding well.
- You suspect infection — yellow crusts, swelling, or a bad smell.
- The rash has not improved at all after four to six weeks of gentle care.
Severe or widespread infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis can look like eczema or, rarely, a more serious skin condition. A GP or health visitor can tell the difference quickly.
What will not help
- Stopping breastfeeding or changing formula. Cradle cap is not caused by diet.
- Daily hair washing — it can irritate.
- Household remedies such as vinegar or lemon juice. These can sting and damage the skin barrier.
Finding a pharmacy
Community pharmacists give free advice on baby skin conditions and will also tell you when something needs to be seen by a GP. PharmSee's pharmacy directory lists weekend and late-opening branches.
Sources
- NHS: Cradle cap
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries: Seborrhoeic dermatitis
- British National Formulary for Children: scalp conditions
- Patient information leaflets from Dentinox, Oilatum and Mustela