Cradle Cap in Adults: Treatment, Symptoms & Causes

What is Cradle Cap?

Cradle cap, as the name suggests, is generally found in children — humans that still occupy cradles. Normally the condition fades before the age of five, commonly much earlier, but it can persist into adulthood in some individuals. When this happens, it’s usually a lifelong inconvenience.

So if you are wondering, “Can Adults Get Cradle Cap?” the simple answer is yes. Cradle cap in adults is a thing. In this blog, we will share expert insights from Dr. Eddie, an experienced pediatrician on:

• What is cradle cap
• Symptoms of cradle cap

• What causes it
• The most effective ways to get rid of it

What is Cradle Cap in Adults?

Cradle cap is a common skin condition in babies that causes thick, oily scales and flakes on the scalp, along with redness and inflammation on the skin. But what is cradle cap in adults called? 

The scientific term used for cradle cap in adults is Seborrheic Dermatitis, and sometimes people also refer to it as scalp eczema. According to the National Eczema Association, 3-5% of the general population in the USA is affected by it.

Even though cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis are the same condition, they may appear a little differently in adults and babies.

Symptoms of Adult Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is known to develop in areas that are oily or have a higher amount of sebaceous glands. It usually appears on the scalp but can also cause scales and flakes on the eyebrows and beard.  

Some common symptoms of cradle cap in adults are:

• White or yellow scaly patches
• Greasy, thick scales
• Oily skin
• Redness on the skin
• Itchy skin

The redness associated with adult cradle cap may appear red or pink in people with lighter skin tones and purple or brown in darker skin tones. 

Pictures of Cradle Cap in Adults

These pictures will help you understand what does cradle cap in adults look like.

What Causes Cradle Cap in Adults?

The cause of cradle cap, in general, is unknown; however, most researchers believe that it’s caused by a combination of factors, such as:

• Overactive Sebaceous Glands

Sebaceous glands on our skin are responsible for producing sebum that keeps it moist and hydrated. However, sometimes, either due to genetics or hormonal changes in the body, these glands start over-producing.

• Overgrowth of Malassezia Yeast

The presence of excess sebum can trigger the growth of Malassezia yeast. Malassezia is a type of fungus that naturally lives on the skin, feeds on, and thrives on sebum. 

So when there is excess oil on the skin, the yeast also overgrows and causes a reaction on the skin that leads to flaking, scaling, and irritation.

How to Get Rid of Cradle Cap in Adults?

If you are wondering “how to cure cradle cap in adults​?” The truth is, there is no permanent cure for this skin condition; it is chronic, which means it may flare up again and again. However, this does not mean you can not get rid of the flaking, scaling, itching, and redness. 

There are a few things that you can do to reduce the symptoms of cradle cap and manage the condition. 

The treatment of cradle cap in adults​ will usually include the following. 

Cradle Cap Shampoo for Adults

The first step in managing cradle cap is to use a medicated shampoo for cradle cap in adults to wash the scalp and affected areas. 

• Use the shampoo at least once daily during a flare-up. Once the flaking and scaling have lessened, use it 2 to 3 times a week.
• While shampooing, let the shampoo sit on your scalp for about 3 to 5 minutes. This allows the active ingredient to penetrate the skin and do its work.
• Rinse thoroughly and make sure not to leave any product residue behind.

A number of manufacturers offer lines with various active ingredients; these ingredients work in their own way to help manage cradle cap. The doctor may prescribe the active ingredient shampoo depending on the severity of your condition.

Cradle Cap Brush

The scales and flakes that you experience with seborrheic dermatitis are thicker and stickier than those of dandruff. And most of us want to get rid of those flakes fast. You can do this with the help of a cradle cap brush.

• While shampooing, use the brush to gently massage your scalp. 
• Massaging the scalp and brushing your hair in a downward motion will help loosen the scales and remove them. 

Home Remedies for Cradle Cap in Adults

When it comes to natural remedies, you will find many on the internet, from coconut oil for cradle cap in adults​ to

• Tea tree oil
• Olive oil
• Essential oils
• Apple cider vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Baking soda

But the truth is, these home remedies can cause an allergic reaction in some people and make their condition worse. This is why it is essential that you first consult a doctor before using any of them. 

Also, applying any type of oil or leaving it on the skin can trigger the growth of malassezia yeast and make your cradle cap worse. 

Medications

When the OTC medicated shampoo is not helping or the condition is getting worse, it is best to consult a doctor. This is usually the case in severe cradle cap, which leads to intense itching, irritation, and even the scalp leaking fluid. 

The doctor may prescribe the use of certain medications such as 

• Antifungal oral medications
• Prescription antifungal creams or shampoo (2% ketoconazole)
• Ketozal
• Loproxor
• Topical corticosteroids  

What is the Best Shampoo for Cradle Cap in Adults?

While there are many cradle cap and anti-seborrheic dermatitis shampoos available in the market, most of them often contain harsh chemicals such as fragrances, dyes, and foaming agents that can irritate the skin and make the condition worse, especially for those who have sensitive skin. 

So what is the best shampoo for adult cradle cap? The best shampoo would be the one that is:

• Fragrance-free
• Paraben-free
• Sulfate-free
• Dye-free
• Phthalate-free
• Dimethicone-free
• Cruelty-free 

The shampoo should contain one of the active ingredients mentioned above. However, according to research, pyrithione zinc is considered a great active ingredient as it helps control the growth of malassezia yeast on skin and reduces the flaking and scaling caused by seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. 

So if you are looking for an skin-friendly option that contains all of the qualities mentioned above, then your best bet is Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo, Face and Body Wash that pairs zinc pyrithione with gentle surfactants and humectants (ingredients that add moisture to the skin) like apple fruit extract, glycerin, provitamin b5, and licorice root extract. 

Its formulation helps reduce the scales and flakes without further irritating the skin, making it a great option for people of all ages. 

How to Prevent Cradle Cap in Adults?

Even though you can not entirely prevent cradle cap because it is caused by everything happening inside your body. However, by making a few lifestyle changes and cradle cap self-care adjustments you can prevent future buildup of scales and flakes. 

Here are a few things you can do. 

• Wash your hair regularly, after the flaking and scaling have lessened. 
• Continue to use the medicated shampoo at least 2 to 3 times a week.
• Avoid using any hair products that contain harsh chemicals.
• Don’t leave any type of oil on your scalp.
• If you notice that stress triggers your flare-up, then try managing it. 
• Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. 

Can Cradle Cap Cause Hair Loss in Adults?

There is a myth about adult cradle cap that it can cause hair loss. But the truth is, it can not directly lead to hair loss. The loss of hair that you experience with seborrheic dermatitis is usually due to excess scratching that makes the hair follicles weak, causing them to fall out. 

Sometimes it’s due to severe inflammation and infection caused on the scalp by scratching or picking at scales. 

If you are experiencing visible hair loss in the form of patches, then consult a doctor. It may be caused by other scalp conditions such as alopecia, which is quite common in adults, or ringworm (tinea capitis). 

Cradle Cap VS Dandruff

When you think of white or yellow flakes, the first thing that comes to your mind is dandruff. Dandruff and cradle cap are often confused with each other because they are undoubtedly similar. 

Even though both conditions look similar and are caused by the same yeast, yet they are a little different. Cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis is considered a more severe form of dandruff. 

Key Takeaways

• Cradle cap in adults is medically known as seborrheic dermatitis. It is a common skin and scalp condition that causes thick, greasy, yellow flakes and scales on the scalp, eyebrows, and beard.
• It also leads to redness and irritation on other parts of the body, such as around the nose, behind the ears, chest, upper back, and in skin folds. 
• It is believed to be caused due to the presence of excess sebum and overgrowth of malassezia yeast on the skin.
• Even though there is no permanent cure for cradle cap, you can soothe the scaling and flaking by washing your scalp and skin daily with the help of a medicated adult cradle cap shampoo. 

Looking to learn more about the children’s variety of cradle cap? Click here.

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