Cradle cap and infant skin conditions explained

What cradle cap is

Cradle cap is the everyday name for a very common, harmless skin condition in babies, known medically as infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis. It shows up as yellow or brownish, greasy, scaly or crusty patches, usually on the scalp, but it can also appear on the eyebrows, behind the ears, or in skin folds. It often begins in the first weeks or months of life. Despite how it looks, it does not usually itch or bother the baby, and it is not caused by poor hygiene or by anything a parent has done. It is thought to be linked to natural oils in the skin. Cradle cap almost always clears up on its own within weeks or months, so treatment is mainly about gently helping it along.

How to treat cradle cap

Cradle cap usually needs no treatment and clears on its own, but gentle measures can help. Washing your baby's hair regularly with a mild baby shampoo, then softly brushing the scalp with a soft brush, can loosen and lift the scales. Massaging a little baby oil, or a plain oil such as olive or coconut oil, onto the scalp before washing can soften stubborn crusts so they wash away more easily; leave it on for a short while, then wash and gently brush. The most important thing is to be gentle — do not pick or scratch the patches, as this can break the skin and lead to infection. If simple measures are not helping, a pharmacist can suggest a suitable cradle cap treatment.

Other common baby skin conditions

Several other harmless skin changes are common in babies. Baby acne — small red or white spots on the face — appears in the early weeks and clears on its own without treatment. Milia are tiny white spots, often on the nose, that also disappear by themselves. Erythema toxicum is a blotchy red newborn rash that comes and goes and settles quickly. Heat rash (prickly heat) causes tiny spots when a baby gets too warm and fades once they cool down. Dry, flaky skin is normal in newborns. Baby eczema, by contrast, causes dry, itchy, red patches that can be more persistent and may need moisturising and treatment. Knowing that most of these are normal helps, while noticing which ones persist or bother your baby guides when to seek help.

Gentle everyday skin care

Simple, gentle care keeps baby skin healthy and reduces flare-ups. Keep baths short and not too hot, and in the early weeks plain water is often enough; if you use products, choose mild, fragrance-free ones made for babies. Avoid perfumed washes, bubble baths and harsh soaps, which can dry and irritate delicate skin. Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing, and moisturise dry areas with a simple, fragrance-free emollient if needed. Dress your baby in soft, breathable fabrics, avoid overheating, and protect them from strong sun. For conditions like cradle cap and baby acne, resist the urge to pick or scrub. Being gentle and keeping routines simple is usually far better for a baby's skin than using lots of products.

When to seek advice

Most baby skin conditions clear on their own, but some need help. Ask a pharmacist if cradle cap is widespread or not improving with gentle care. See a GP or health visitor if the skin looks infected — for example if patches become very red, swollen, weeping, crusted with yellow, or your baby seems unwell or feverish. Get advice if a rash spreads to the face or body beyond the usual harmless patterns, if your baby has dry, itchy, sore skin that could be eczema, or if any rash worries you. Seek urgent help for a rash with a high temperature, a baby who is very sleepy or hard to wake, or a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass, which needs emergency assessment.