as the baby grows and the sebaceous glands return to normal.
- Aggregation of dead skin: Babies shed old skin just as adults do. The old dead skin may not fall off and could stick to the oil on the skin surface. Over a period, the accumulation hardens and forms a yellow scaly solidification that leads to cradle cap.
- Infection: A bacterial infection of accumulated dead skin can result in scaly growths visible externally as cradle cap. Infection of sebaceous glands by fungus such as yeast is also a cause for seborrhea (8).
Cradle cap may look to be unpleasant, but it is non-itchy, non-contagious, and not a sign of any allergy. It does not indicate poor hygiene and leaves no scars (9). The condition can be better understood by knowing its symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms Of Cradle Cap?
A baby suffering from cradle cap will show the following symptoms:
- Scaly crust on scalp: This is a primary sign of cradle cap. White to yellowish scales appear in circular formations around the head or in one large disc of crusty growth. The crust flakes a lot, sprinkling the baby’s clothes with dead skin. The baby could also have dandruff. In some cases, the scales could turn reddish, but it is nothing to worry about.
- Oiliness or dryness on and around cradle cap: The crust appears greasy, and the skin around also feels oily. However, the crust and skin could be completely dry.
- Partial hair loss: The infant could lose hair on and around the spot where cradle cap develops. However, the hair loss is temporary.
An infant suffering from mild cradle cap will display the same symptoms with lesser intensity. Cradle cap may evolve to manifest through other symptoms, which often are not normal and require prompt medical attention.
When To Rush To The Doctor?
If your baby shows the following signs then you must take him to a doctor immediately:
- Presence of scales on the face (eyebrows, forehead, cheeks, and ears), armpits, and diaper area: The American Academy of Paediatrics recognizes the presence of cradle cap on said areas as seborrheic dermatitis. However, some experts do not consider it normal for cradle cap to occur anywhere other than the scalp (10) as it could be eczema, and the baby should be checked by a doctor immediately.
- Itchiness and irritation in cradle cap: Remember, cradle cap is not itchy, and the baby will appear comfortable. Skin irritation and itchiness are signs of eczema, a condition that may look like cradle cap, but is serious.
- Swollen scalp: If the cradle cap swells then it could be an infection in the underlying layers of skin. The swelling is often accompanied by severe hair loss.
- Blood or yellowish discharge from cracks in the crust: Babies who already suffer eczema can develop cradle cap complications such as bleeding and yellow fluid discharge from the scales. The serious symptom indicates severe infection and leads to cracks in the skin.
A doctor will look for these symptoms while diagnosing the condition. Treatment is essential.
How Is Cradle Cap Treated?
Treatment of cradle cap is simple but depends on the severity of the condition. You can administer it at home after pediatric consultation.
1. Have a head wash routine:
Most cases of regular cradle cap are resolved by washing the baby’s scalp properly and regularly. Here is how you must wash the scalp when the infant suffers from cradle cap:
- Loosen scales with a brush: Use a soft, baby hair brush to comb the infant’s hair gently. Do not use excess pressure while you brush and do not pick the scales to loosen them. It may lead to an infection in the cracks between the scales.
- Apply oil to the scalp: You can use regular baby hair oil or olive oil. Use a small amount since its purpose is to help bind the flaky scales. Leave the oil for a couple of minutes before brushing the hair again.
- Wash with baby shampoo: Use a regular baby shampoo to wash the baby’s hair thoroughly. Shampooing and rinsing help remove a lot of scales from the baby’s head thus providing relief from cradle cap.
- Dry with towel and comb: Dry the scalp by patting a towel and using a