Cradle cap can extend onto a baby's forehead
Greasy white or yellow scales at a baby's hairline and forehead can be infantile seborrheic dermatitis. This is the same condition called cradle cap on the scalp. Gentle washing can help; leave attached scales alone and keep cleanser and rinse water out of the eyes.1,2
This guide focuses on forehead and hairline care in babies. For facial seborrheic dermatitis in teens or adults, see the facial care section of our main guide.
Forehead scales often appear alongside scalp flakes
Scale may sit where the scalp meets the forehead or extend toward the eyebrows. The skin underneath may look inflamed, lighter, or darker than nearby skin. Ordinary cradle cap usually causes little discomfort.1,3
Marked itching, pain, or wet crusts deserve a closer look. Eczema, dry skin or newborn peeling, and a reaction to a skin product can look different and need different care.
Clean the hairline without scrubbing the face
- Wash gently. Use lukewarm water and clean fingertips or a soft damp cloth. Choose a mild, fragrance-free cleanser if needed. Rinse carefully and pat dry.2
- Let loose flakes lift away. Leave firmly attached scales in place. Avoid fingernails, scraping, and firm rubbing.
- Keep the scalp brush on the scalp. Use fingertips or a soft cloth on the forehead. Keep the brush away from eyebrows and eyes.
- Support dry skin. A small amount of bland, fragrance-free emollient may help dryness or soften stubborn scale. Keep it away from the eyes and stop a product that irritates the skin.2,4
Use the cradle cap guide for the full scalp routine, or the baby eyebrow guide when scales collect in eyebrow hairs.
Medicated washing can help forehead seborrheic dermatitis
Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo & Body Wash contains 0.95% pyrithione zinc to relieve flaking, scaling, redness, and itching associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Its fragrance-free formula includes licorice root extract to help soothe redness.6
Follow the current bottle's directions. Wet the affected skin and hair, massage gently, and rinse thoroughly. For best results, use at least twice weekly or as directed by a doctor. Keep it away from the eyes, eyelid margins, and lashes; rinse eyes thoroughly with water if contact occurs.6
For external use only. Ask a doctor before use for seborrheic dermatitis over a large body area. Stop use and ask a doctor if the condition worsens or does not improve with regular use as directed.6
Adult scalp medicines have different ingredients and directions. Persistent or very inflamed facial patches may need a clinician-selected treatment suitable for the baby's age and skin.1,5
Skin color may take longer to settle
Infantile seborrheic dermatitis often improves gradually. Temporary lighter or darker areas may remain after inflammation eases; these color changes are different from scars. Avoid picking or stronger scrubbing to try to even out the skin.1,3,7
Our duration guide explains the usual course. Have persistent or changing patches checked.
Pain, oozing, and eye symptoms need assessment
Arrange an examination if the rash keeps worsening or has not improved after a few weeks of gentle care. Seek prompt advice for bleeding, pus, swelling, increasing tenderness, or itching that disrupts sleep. The itching and pain guide explains these concerns.
Eye pain, a very red eye, vision changes, or a baby who seems unwell needs urgent assessment. These are not ordinary cradle-cap symptoms.1,2,8