Cradle Cap in Infants and Newborns: Symptoms, Causes, & How to Soothe It

As a parent, you might feel worried if you've noticed yellowish scales or flaky patches on your baby's scalp. What you're most likely looking at is cradle cap, which is a common and harmless skin condition that many infants and newborns experience.

Although this skin condition can look unsettling, it is incredibly common. In fact, one community study revealed that over 50% of babies experience cradle cap in their first year of life [1].

The good news is that cradle cap does not cause your baby any itching or pain and can resolve on its own. However, with a little extra care and gentle interventions, you can help support the healing process and improve the symptoms of cradle cap in a shorter period of time.

Let's explore everything you need to know about cradle cap in babies and infants—including its causes, symptoms, and, most importantly, how to soothe and prevent it.

Table of Contents:

• What Is Cradle Cap?
• Recognizing the Symptoms of Cradle Cap
• Cradle Cap vs. Seborrheic Dermatitis
• Causes of Cradle Cap in Babies
• How to Soothe Cradle Cap Naturally
• How to Prevent Cradle Cap
• Can Cradle Cap Cause Hair Loss?
• Soothing Cradle Cap with Cradle Calm

What Is Cradle Cap?

Cradle cap, also known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that affects newborns and infants. This skin condition typically affects babies in the first three months of life. A large study suggests that over 70% of babies experience the condition during this stage [1].

Cradle cap usually doesn't cause any harm or discomfort to your baby. It's not contagious, either, so you won't have to worry about the condition passing to another young child.

In most cases, cradle cap can resolve within a couple of weeks or months without any necessary treatment.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Cradle Cap

It is pretty easy to identify cradle cap because of its distinct and unique features.

Some of the most common symptoms of cradle cap include:[2]

• Patchy, scaly skin and crusts

• Flaky skin

• Greasy scales

• White or yellow scales

• Mild redness

• Mild inflammation

Babies may experience symptoms differently. Some may get flaky, dry skin, while others may have more prominent, greasy patches of skin.

These symptoms typically appear in the following areas of the baby's skin:[2]

• Scalp (most common)

• Face

• Eyebrows or eyelids

• Behind the ears

• Neck folds

• Arm folds

• Diaper or nappy area

This condition usually affects the scalp. The crusts and patches of the skin can thicken like a cap around the scalp, hence the name "cradle cap."

When it affects other areas of the body, it is commonly referred to as infantile seborrheic dermatitis.

While cradle cap is usually harmless, there are instances where medical attention may be necessary. Consider reaching out to your pediatrician if:

• The affected regions start to spread

• The condition isn't improving or worsens after being treated at home

• Your baby shows signs of an infection, like a fever

• The skin begins to weep or ooze

• Your baby seems uncomfortable or distressed by the condition

Being aware of these signs ensures your baby gets the right care when needed, even though most cases of cradle cap are mild and resolve on their own.

Cradle Cap vs. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Sometimes, you might hear cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis being used interchangeably. That's because cradle cap is a form of seborrheic dermatitis affecting infants. This type of seborrheic dermatitis is called infantile seborrheic dermatitis.

Seborrheic dermatitis, which affects adults, isn't typically referred to as cradle cap.

There are some differences between cradle cap and adult seborrheic dermatitis. For instance, cradle cap symptoms are usually mild and don't cause any discomfort, itching, or pain to the baby. On the other hand, seborrheic dermatitis can lead to itching, irritation, and discomfort.

Additionally, cradle cap is self-limiting and often resolves without treatment. In contrast, seborrheic dermatitis cannot be cured and is a long-term condition that can continue to affect adults throughout their lifetime [3].

Causes of Cradle Cap in Babies

Scientists and researchers are still investigating the exact cause of cradle cap. However, it has been linked to the overgrowth of a fungus called Malassezia [2].

This fungus thrives on areas of the skin with a higher density of sebaceous glands, which are skin glands that release an oily substance called sebum. Malassezia feeds on the sebum, leaving behind fatty acids that can contribute to symptoms of cradle cap. Excess sebum can also cause dead skin cells to remain stuck to the baby's scalp instead of shedding like they normally would [2].

How to Soothe Cradle Cap Naturally

While cradle cap often resolves on its own, there are gentle, natural remedies parents can use to reduce symptoms and support the healing process.

Some at-home remedies to manage your baby's cradle cap include:

• Regularly cleaning your baby's scalp: You can wash your baby's scalp with a mild, gentle, and fragrance-free baby shampoo around 3 times a week [2]. Use your fingertips or a soft brush to massage the scalp and remove the scales gently.

• Moisturizing with Malassezia-safe oils: To soften crusts, apply a small amount of mineral oil to the scaly patches. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes before washing it off [2]. 

• Seeking professional help: Your doctor may recommend a special shampoo for your baby or toddler. In more serious cases, a corticosteroid or antifungal cream may be used for a short period of time [4].

Some common mistakes to avoid when managing cradle cap at home include the following:

• Using olive oil: While often suggested as a natural remedy, olive oil can, in fact, feed the Malassezia yeast and worsen the condition. It's best to stick to mineral oil, which is much less likely to fuel Malassezia growth. Other oils that should also be avoided include peanut oil and coconut oil.

• Scratching or picking at scales: Picking at the flakes can irritate the scalp and increase the risk of infection.

• Overwashing or using harsh products: Washing too often or using products with strong fragrances or chemicals can dry out and irritate the delicate skin.

Cradle cap typically clears up within a few weeks to a few months, depending on its severity. Following these natural remedies and avoiding common mistakes can help keep your baby's skin healthy and protected.

If you're looking for an extra gentle way to manage cradle cap, Cradle Calm is a great option to bring back peace to your baby's scalp and skin. It's made with baby-safe ingredients that do not feed Malassezia but can help clear the flakes and scales, all while soothing inflammation and hydrating the skin.

How to Prevent Cradle Cap

Preventing cradle cap can be tricky. There's no guaranteed way to do so. However, parents can take a few simple steps to maintain their baby's scalp health and minimize the chances of symptoms reappearing.

Firstly, you can try to reduce the risk of recurring symptoms by shampooing your baby's scalp and hair every few days with a gentle, fragrance-free baby shampoo. This can help to remove excess sebum and keep your baby's scalp healthy.

Cradle Calm can also reduce the likelihood of an overgrowth of the Malassezia fungus. This helps prevent recurring problems and keeps your baby's scalp healthy and peaceful.

Can Cradle Cap Cause Hair Loss?

Cradle cap does not directly cause permanent or long-term hair loss.

However, removing scales from the scalp might also loosen some of your baby's hair that's attached to the area, which could cause temporary hair shedding.

Once the condition clears, hair loss or shedding will stop, and the hair will grow back without any issues.

Soothing Cradle Cap with Cradle Calm

If you're looking for a gentle way to improve symptoms of cradle cap, Cradle Calm can help. This dual-purpose formulation can clear away the fungus responsible for its symptoms while calming and soothing your baby's irritated skin.

It contains xylitol, which helps to disrupt the biofilm of the fungus. This biofilm serves as a natural protective barrier. Weakening this shield makes the fungus more susceptible to antifungal agents.

Cradle Calm also contains willow bark, which has antifungal properties. This aids in clearing away the fungus. Other ingredients, including aloe, squalane oil, vitamin B3, and rose hydrosol, help calm the skin, increase hydration, and soothe any redness or inflammation.

We crafted this formulation with your baby's delicate skin in mind, so rest assured that it does not come with parabens, sulfates, fragrances, or hard-to-pronounce chemicals.

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