Parent’s Guide to Cradle Cap: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as cradle cap, affects 70% of babies by 3 months of age.. The good news is that this skin condition isn’t dangerous or painful, but it can linger, and sometimes can cause some discomfort. Most instances of cradle cap in babies will go away within the first year. But did you know that cradle cap can impact toddlers and children? And that cradle cap in adults is also common? Understanding how to prevent cradle cap or reduce the cradle cap symptoms of scaling and flaking can help you feel more confident as you care for your child or as you work on getting rid of the problem for yourself. In this ultimate guide to cradle cap, which impacts nearly 10% of infants younger than 1 month old, we’ll cover everything you need to know about it. From identifying the early cradle cap signs and symptoms to effective treatment options, we’ll cover everything to help you mitigate the issue for your baby, toddler, teen, or yourself.

From identifying the early cradle cap signs and symptoms, to navigating prevention methods and treatment options, we’ll cover all of the basics to help you mitigate the issue for your baby, toddler, teen, or yourself.

What is Cradle Cap?

Most formally known as seborrheic dermatitis, you may also hear of this condition referred to in many other ways, such as infantile seborrheic dermatitis, crusta lacteal, honeycomb disease, milk crust, or pityriasis capitis. It all signifies the same thing. This flaky, scaly skin seems to cover their tender little heads like a crusty, scaly head cap. For parents, especially first-time parents, cradle cap can look concerning. Thankfully, cradle cap isn’t known to be painful or uncomfortable for young children, and it’s not contagious either.  At its core, cradle cap looks more irritating than it actually is. And, with patience and cleansing the affected area with a Medicated shampoo for cradle cap once daily, you can help reduce white or yellow scales associated with cradle cap, and create a clear foundation for the baby’s hair to grow and thrive. Now let’s explore how to identify cradle cap in babies so you won’t mix it up with other similar skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.

What Does Cradle Cap Look Like?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common cradle cap symptoms include

• White or yellow flakes and scales
• Scaling patches or thick, crusty-like substances forming on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, or forehead
• Extremely dry skin, or even severely oily skin
• Mild redness in areas with scaly patches, most commonly on the head
• Mild inflammation
• Loose skin flakes that may fall off when brushed

On your baby’s scalp, you may notice thickened yellow, white, or brown scales. The color of the patches depends on the color of your baby’s skin. A yellow/brown crust can also develop on a baby’s eyebrows or behind the ears.  Additionally, it can also lead to pink or red moist skin in the skin folds, around the diaper area, or in the armpits. Also known as neonatal seborrheic dermatitis, cradle cap is very common. In fact, it is a younger, crustier relative of dandruff in adults.  There’s nothing infected or wrong with your baby, and it isn’t caused by poor hygiene, allergy, or something that you did wrong. Read on to discover why do babies get cradle cap. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common cradle cap symptoms include

• White or yellow flakes and scales
• Scaling patches or thick, crusty-like substances forming on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, or forehead
• Extremely dry skin, or even severely oily skin
• Mild redness in areas with scaly patches, most commonly on the head
• Mild inflammation
• Loose skin flakes that may fall off when brushed

On your baby’s scalp, you may notice thickened yellow, white, or brown scales. The color of the patches depends on the color of your baby’s skin. A yellow/brown crust can also develop on a baby’s eyebrows or behind the ears.  Additionally, it can also lead to pink or red moist skin in the skin folds, around the diaper area, or in the armpits. Also known as neonatal seborrheic dermatitis, cradle cap is very common. In fact, it is a younger, crustier relative of dandruff in adults.  There’s nothing infected or wrong with your baby, and it isn’t caused by poor hygiene, allergy, or something that you did wrong. Read on to discover why do babies get cradle cap.

What Causes Cradle Cap?

The most common myth about cradle cap is that it is caused by poor hygiene, but as we have discussed before, it has nothing to do with something that you did wrong; in fact, it is all happening in your baby’s body.  So what triggers cradle cap? Technically, there is no specific cause of cradle cap. The doctors and researchers believe that it is caused by a combination of factors, such as

• Overactive Sebaceous Glands

Sebaceous glands, which are found in the skin, produce an oil-like substance known as sebum. This sebum helps keep the skin moist and soft. However, these glands start producing excess sebum, which can disrupt the skin’s microbiome. 

• Hormonal Changes

Research suggests that the mother’s hormones can remain in the baby’s body for several months after birth. These hormones can trigger the sebaceous glands to start producing excess sebum.

• Overgrowth of Malassezia Yeast

Malassezia yeast is a naturally occurring yeast on the skin that feeds and thrives on sebum. Even though this yeast is essential for keeping the skin healthy. When there is an excess production of sebum, the yeast also starts growing at a much faster rate. When the yeast consumes the sebum, it creates an irritating byproduct known as oleic acid, which irritates the skin and causes excess flaking and scaling associated with cradle cap. The natural skin barrier is disrupted, and as a result, the skin becomes dry, leading to increased irritation. Cradle cap isn’t caused by anything within your control; it is not something you can prevent. However, gentle care and cleansing the affected area with a mild shampoo for cradle cap can help soften the seborrheic dermatitis scales on the scalp and possibly prevent future ones from developing, improving the appearance of the affected skin.

Where do Cradle Cap Symptoms Occur?

Cradle cap can show up in different places, such as:

• The scalp
• Forehead
• Eyebrows
• Face
• Neck
• Skin folds
• Groin

Cradle cap mostly occurs on the scalp, creating thick, patchy flakes across the top of the head that would otherwise be bare or full of small strands of hair. But cradle cap doesn’t only exist on the head. Cradle cap can work its way down to the forehead and eyebrows, and sometimes cause redness 

• Behind the ears
• Back of the neck
• Along the chest
• In the skin folds.

In these instances, you may be more inclined to seek treatment options because it seems like these occurrences would cause irritation for your baby. However, cradle cap that exists on the back and chest doesn’t cause more harm than scales and flakes that exist on the scalp. The redness may appear differently depending on your baby’s skin color; on lighter skin tones, it may appear as pink or red, and in darker skin tones, it may appear as red or purple. 

When do Babies get Cradle Cap?

According to Johns Hopkins, cradle cap most often occurs in babies between the ages of 3 weeks and 12 months. It usually starts to appear as dry, flaky skin around 3 to 4 weeks of age and is commonly present by 2 months of age, persisting into the toddler years.  If you are wondering, “Do all babies get cradle cap?” The answer is no; some may never develop it, while others may experience recurring scaly patches even as they grow old. The most common myth about cradle cap is that it is caused by poor hygiene, but as we have discussed before, it has nothing to do with something that you did wrong; in fact, it is all happening in your baby’s body.  So what triggers cradle cap? Technically, there is no specific cause of cradle cap. The doctors and researchers believe that it is caused by a combination of factors, such as

• Overactive Sebaceous Glands

Sebaceous glands, which are found in the skin, produce an oil-like substance known as sebum. This sebum helps keep the skin moist and soft. However, these glands start producing excess sebum, which can disrupt the skin’s microbiome. 

• Hormonal Changes

Research suggests that the mother’s hormones can remain in the baby’s body for several months after birth. These hormones can trigger the sebaceous glands to start producing excess sebum.

• Overgrowth of Malassezia Yeast

Malassezia yeast is a naturally occurring yeast on the skin that feeds and thrives on sebum. Even though this yeast is essential for keeping the skin healthy. When there is an excess production of sebum, the yeast also starts growing at a much faster rate. When the yeast consumes the sebum, it creates an irritating byproduct known as oleic acid, which irritates the skin and causes excess flaking and scaling associated with cradle cap. The natural skin barrier is disrupted, and as a result, the skin becomes dry, leading to increased irritation. Cradle cap isn’t caused by anything within your control; it is not something you can prevent. However, gentle care and cleansing the affected area with a mild shampoo for cradle cap can help soften the seborrheic dermatitis scales on the scalp and possibly prevent future ones from developing, improving the appearance of the affected skin.

Where do Cradle Cap Symptoms Occur?

Cradle cap can show up in different places, such as:

• The scalp
• Forehead
• Eyebrows
• Face
• Neck
• Skin folds
• Groin

Cradle cap mostly occurs on the scalp, creating thick, patchy flakes across the top of the head that would otherwise be bare or full of small strands of hair. But cradle cap doesn’t only exist on the head. Cradle cap can work its way down to the forehead and eyebrows, and sometimes cause redness 

• Behind the ears
• Back of the neck
• Along the chest
• In the skin folds.

In these instances, you may be more inclined to seek treatment options because it seems like these occurrences would cause irritation for your baby. However, cradle cap that exists on the back and chest doesn’t cause more harm than scales and flakes that exist on the scalp. The redness may appear differently depending on your baby’s skin color; on lighter skin tones, it may appear as pink or red, and in darker skin tones, it may appear as red or purple. 

When do Babies get Cradle Cap?

According to Johns Hopkins, cradle cap most often occurs in babies between the ages of 3 weeks and 12 months. It usually starts to appear as dry, flaky skin around 3 to 4 weeks of age and is commonly present by 2 months of age, persisting into the toddler years.  If you are wondering, “Do all babies get cradle cap?” The answer is no; some may never develop it, while others may experience recurring scaly patches even as they grow old.

Can Adults get Cradle Cap?

Cradle cap isn’t just for babies. Anyone can get cradle cap:

• Toddlers
• Children
• Teens
• Adults

Adults can get cradle cap as well, but for this older age group, this flaking condition is generally referred to as seborrheic dermatitis. Just like the other age groups, there isn’t a known cause of cradle cap in adults, but it’s likely related to the overproduction of oil in both the skin and hair follicles and overgrowth of malassezia yeast, according to Healthline.  In an adult cradle cap, the scalp turns red and may form yellow flakes and scales similar to dandruff. It can also occur in facial hair, like the mustache, eyebrows, or beard. Cradle cap can impact nearly anyone, no matter the age, but it’s most common in babies during the first year of life.

Is Cradle Cap Contagious?

Because of the bothersome look of cradle cap, many parents often wonder, “Can cradle cap spread to others, or is it contagious?” The answer is No. Cradle cap is not contagious. It cannot be passed from the baby to other children, adults, or siblings through contact. It is caused by internal factors in the baby’s body and not by any external virus, bacteria, or fungus. So don’t worry, you can safely play, cuddle, and take care of your baby without worrying about spreading it to others. 

How Long Does Cradle Cap Last?

The answer to how long can cradle cap last may vary from person to person and baby to baby, depending on the severity of their condition. Usually, in newborns, mild cradle cap cases resolve on their own within a few weeks or months with the regular use of a cradle cap shampoo.  However, in some cases, the condition may persist in toddler years, especially if the baby’s skin continues to produce excess sebum. And if you ask about adults, the scaling and flaking associated with seborrheic dermatitis (adult cradle cap) usually becomes recurrent and may flare up from time to time.  With proper care and the use of a Medicated Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoo, you can reduce the appearance of flaking, scaling, and redness within a few weeks or months. 

How to get Rid of Cradle Cap?

Traditionally, cradle cap doesn’t require medical treatment. Newborn cradle cap and its attendant symptoms of newborn skin peeling, flaking, dryness, and scaliness is rarely serious and can clear up on its own without the need for treatment.  This usually happens between 6 and 12 months of age. Of course, you can consult with your pediatrician or doctor if the issue becomes too severe. However, most parents want to get rid of those stubborn scales as quickly as possible.  Here are a few cradle cap treatment options you can take to ease the symptoms of cradle cap and potentially stop future scaling.

Use a Cradle Cap Shampoo

Washing the baby’s scalp and affected skin with the help of a Medicated Shampoo is the best treatment for cradle cap. Use a pediatrician-recommended product like Happy Cappy Cradle Cap Shampoo and Body Wash. It contains pyrithione zinc as an active ingredient. It is an FDA-approved, clinically tested ingredient that is known to reduce the scaling and flaking associated with cradle cap. Here is how to use it to get the best possible results.

• Wet the baby’s scalp and skin with lukewarm water. 
• Then apply a small amount of shampoo and gently massage it with your fingertips.
• Leave the shampoo on the scalp for a few minutes; this allows the active ingredient to work its magic. 
• Then thoroughly rinse off the shampoo without leaving any residue behind. 
• Do this once daily when the scaling is severe. And after the scales disappear, repeat every 2-3 days to prevent scales from building up again.

Brush Away the Scales

If you are searching for “how to remove cradle cap scales fast,” here is a helpful tip. 

• Use a cradle cap brush while shampooing to gently remove the loose scales.
• Brush gently in circular motions and avoid forcefully removing the stubborn scales as it can irritate the baby’s scalp.
• Always choose a BPA-free, soft brush for cradle cap, like Happy Cappy Beanie Brush, which is specially designed for the baby’s delicate skin. 
• You can also use it for dry brushing as well, as it can help promote healthy blood flow to the scalp and provide a relaxing experience for your baby. 

Cradle Cap Home Remedies

When you search the internet, you will find many natural remedies, such as using olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil for cradle cap. You may have also heard about applying Vaseline to the scales to soften them.  While these remedies may sound like a good idea, the truth is that they can only help soften the scales and do not treat the root cause. They can cause allergic reactions in some babies.  Additionally, if any oil is left behind on the skin, it can trigger the overproduction of malassezia yeast and further make the condition worse. 

Don’t Pick the Scales

It may sound tempting and an easy way to get rid of the scaling, but don’t pick at cradle cap. Picking at or scratching the scales can cause irritation on the baby’s scalp and, in worst-case scenarios, can lead to skin infections that can be painful for the baby.

What is the Best Shampoo for Cradle Cap?

Most people think that using a regular baby shampoo can help you treat cradle cap–it can. However, in reality, an over-the-counter medicated shampoo will be the most beneficial. While there are many seborrheic dermatitis shampoos available in the market, most of them are usually formulated for adults and often contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the baby’s sensitive skin. So, what is the best cradle cap shampoo? Yale-trained pediatric dermatologist Dr. Britt Craiglow says a 2-in-1 combo with pyrithione zinc that can be used as a scalp shampoo and a body wash, such as Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo and Body Wash, is the way to go.​  She said she’s a big fan of 2-in-1 because “there’s no real need for separate products,” according to an article by Scary Mommy. “ Also, make sure the shampoo you are using is free from any harsh ingredients. Look for products with words like

• Hypoallergenic
• Non-comedogenic
• Fragrance-free
• Paraben-free
• Dye-free
• Sulfate-free
• Dimethicone-free 
• Vegan-friendly 

Finding the right shampoo that works for you or your child shouldn’t be so difficult. Happy Cappy Medicated Face, scalp, and Body Wash was created by a pediatrician who’s dealt with many cases of cradle cap and that inspired him to create a solution that works and is safe to be used on the baby’s delicate skin. By using time-tested active ingredient zinc pyrithione with gentle plant-derived lathering ingredients and humectants like 

• Apple fruit extract
• Licorice root extract
• Provitamin b5 

Dr. Eddie designed a product that can manage cradle cap without causing more issues. He chose these mild, nature-based compounds to gently soothe the redness, flaking, scaling, and irritation associated with seborrheic dermatitis while promoting a healthier scalp and combating the problem with strength.  This makes Happy Cappy Shampoo great for all ages; from babies to adults, anyone with cradle cap can benefit from it. Shop Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Products to mitigate cradle cap today.

When to Consult a Doctor for Cradle Cap?

As you have seen above, in most cases, you can treat baby’s cradle cap in the comfort of your own home. While cradle cap is rarely serious, there are still cases of severe flaking and mild discomfort.   If you find that the red patches and flakes are consistent and not improving despite using a pyrithione zinc shampoo and your little one begins to get irritated, make sure you seek medical attention. Other reasons to seek medical care:

• Any signs of infection: If you notice swelling, tenderness, or any signs of infection around the affected area, this could mean that your baby’s cradle cap is infected and requires immediate help. 
• Cheeks or other areas of the body are staying dry, red, or purple, and irritated. This could be a sign of eczema or another skin condition that needs medical treatment.
• Diaper rash occurs: Diaper rash is another type of skin inflammation that can be treated at home. However, if the condition is not improving, it may cause sores, boils, or other red bumps. Your pediatrician can help mitigate the issue.
• Signs of thrush appear: Thrush is a fungal infection that can grow in the mouth and other areas of the body. This may happen when the skin is irritated. A pediatrician can also help mitigate the situation.
• If your baby is experiencing fever, throat swelling, or nausea, then consult a doctor; they may be experiencing any other medical condition along with cradle cap. 

If you suspect that your baby is experiencing severe cradle cap, then call your doctor. He or she may prescribe a topical steroid or other treatment for the problem.

How to Prevent Cradle Cap?

Preventing cradle cap from developing in the first place is difficult because it is caused by factors that are not in your control. However, there are a few things that you can do to prevent the cradle cap from coming back or the scaling and flaking from recurring. 

• Wash the baby’s scalp at least 2 to 3 times or once a week with a shampoo for cradle cap, even after the flaking and scaling have reduced.
• Avoid applying or leaving any type of oil on the baby’s scalp, as it can further exacerbate the condition.
• Brush their hair and scalp regularly to prevent flaking and future buildup of scales. 
• Always use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free baby products to prevent skin irritation. 

These tips can help you prevent cradle cap to some extent. Now let’s take a look at some mistakes that parents often make that can make their baby’s cradle cap worse. 

What Should I Avoid Doing for Cradle Cap Treatment?

When it comes to treating cradle cap, make sure to never:

• Leave oils soaking on the scalp, eye area, or other places where cradle cap may exist.
• Pick, scratch, or peel the scales.
• Use topical steroid, over-the-counter cortisone, antifungal creams, or another medical ointment before consulting the doctor or pediatrician. Some of these products can be toxic to an infant.
• Bathing/washing the scalp more than once a day.
• Although it looks hydrating, don’t be tempted to leave shampoo, oil, or lotions on the scalp to soak, as it will likely worsen the scales. Always rinse thoroughly.
• If your child’s scales are stubborn and won’t gently loosen, resist the temptation to scratch or peel them off with your fingers because it could open the door to infection.
• There are conflicting opinions about the benefit of using oils on baby scalps, so it’s best to consult a doctor if you plan to use anything beyond a gentle baby wash.
• Do not use adult dandruff shampoos that contain salicylic acid on the baby’s sensitive skin.

Does Cradle Cap Cause Hair Loss​?

Hair loss is a common theme throughout life. One of the earliest times hair loss occurs is in early infancy. Many babies, even those who get ample tummy time when awake, will develop a small bald spot on the back of their head. Even though cradle cap does not directly cause hair loss in babies, as the baby’s hair is washed and flakes and scales are gently removed, some hair can and will come out with those pesky scales.  Picking at cradle cap can also accelerate the loss of hair. Hair loss is pretty common in babies; even those who don’t have cradle cap will experience it around 3 to 4 months of age. Some other reasons why your baby may be experiencing hair loss are

• The hair cycle is complex and is intertwined with life events like severe stress from emotional or physical illness. Telogen effluvium is the proper name for substantial hair loss that occurs 3-4 months after severe stress on the body.
• Alopecia is focal hair loss typically of autoimmune origin, but can also occur for other reasons, like after hair is kept in tight braids. That is called traction alopecia.

If you are concerned about hair loss, you can always consult a doctor to make sure that there isn’t any serious underlying issue that is causing it.    Are There Any Long-Term Effects After Having Cradle Cap as an Infant? There are many instances where the pigmentation of the skin can change after an injury to the skin. Examples of injury can be something as simple as:

• Insect bites
• Annoying pimples
• Minor abrasions
• Cradle cap

After any of these skin irritations, there can be a temporary darkening or lightening of the skin after the injury. If the skin gets darker after a skin injury, it is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is noteworthy that in infants with darker skin types, there can be post-inflammatory hypopigmentation (skin lightening) in those areas that were previously affected by cradle cap. It is not harmful, and with time (typically several weeks), the pigment will return.  This alteration in skin color can be frustrating and frightening for parents, so we wanted to point this out, as it is not a commonly discussed issue in many other articles on cradle cap. Furthermore, this temporary lightening of the skin after cradle cap has nothing to do with the autoimmune condition called vitiligo, which causes a loss of pigment.

Cradle Cap vs Dandruff

While dandruff and cradle cap may look quite similar and have the same root cause, technically speaking, they are both different things. Cradle cap occurs when an irritated, dry scalp progresses to yellow flakes, scales, and red rashes.  When adults notice dry skin and flakes on their heads, we call it dandruff. Here are a few differences to help you identify the conditions.

Cradle Cap vs Eczema

Cradle cap and eczema are two of the most common skin conditions experienced by babies. Many parents often confuse them because both of them can cause flaking patches on the skin and redness, which can make it difficult to tell them apart. However, both conditions are different and require different care and treatment; this is why it is crucial to accurately diagnose them. Here are a few differences to help you distinguish the conditions.

Newborn Skin Peeling vs Cradle Cap

Many babies have dry, peeling skin soon after birth, particularly if they’re born close to 40 weeks. This is a natural part of their growth. However, bathing too often and using soaps with scents and added colors can further make the dry skin worse because soap removes the skin’s natural oils.  Newborn skin peeling and flaking is often confused with cradle cap. Unlike cradle cap, newborns who simply have dry skin will not have crusting, discoloration, or rough patches. The flaking associated with peeling is usually dry, but the scaling associated with cradle cap is thick and greasy.  If you notice that your baby is experiencing it, then wash their skin with a gentle, fragrance-free, sulfate-free daily shampoo and body wash, and follow up with hypoallergenic baby moisturizing cream to hydrate their skin.

What Do Pediatricians Recommend for Cradle Cap in Babies?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, cradle cap is a harmless condition that usually resolves on its own within a few months. However, they and most pediatricians also recommend keeping the baby’s affected skin clean with the help of a mild shampoo for cradle cap and massaging the scalp with a cradle cap brush to prevent the condition from getting worse.  Here is what the founder behind Happy Cappy and an expert pediatrician who has been dealing with cradle cap patients for decades, Dr. Eddie, has to say about treating Cradle Cap. “Cradle cap is not something you or your baby has to endure. Thousands of pediatricians across the United States suggest Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo for cradle cap to their youngest patients. Most pediatricians used to turn to adult products for dandruff, but now pediatricians, PAs, and NPs across the country send the families they care for  to Walmart and Walgreens stores, Amazon and very soon CVS stores to get their hands on Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo. Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo for cradle cap is a shampoo, face, and body wash that can be used on children of all ages.”