What Are the Treatments for Cradle Cap?

Cradle cap (or seborrhea, seborrheic dermatitis) is a common skin condition among newborns. It causes reddish and flaky patches or yellowish and oily scales on the baby's scalp, and sometimes on other areas of the face and body.

Daily Shampoo

• A daily shampoo with mild baby soap may remove oily sebum from the scalp before it can collect and form scales.

Oil, Brush, Shampoo

• Massage the baby's scalp with a natural oil such as olive oil, almond oil or sunflower oil. Let the oil penetrate the scales for 15 minutes or more, and then brush gently to remove the loosened scales and flakes. Shampoo to remove the oil residue and any remaining flakes.

Dandruff Treatment

• Like dandruff in adults, cradle cap may be caused by overproduction of the scalp's sebaceous glands. Antidandruff shampoo with selenium sulfide has been safely used on cradle cap. It is very important to avoid getting this product into the baby's eyes.

Herbal Remedies

• Calendula or plantain in ointment form can be massaged into affected areas. Some herbalists recommend a comfrey root decoction or a slippery elm ointment to moisturize and soothe the skin.

Wait It Out

• Cradle cap is a painless, noninfectious condition that usually disappears on its own, so some pediatricians tell parents to simply ignore it.

What Not To Do

• Do not try to pick at the scales, rub them forcefully or brush them away with an adult hairbrush. This may cause cuts that can bleed or become infected.