How long does cradle cap last in infants

Cradle cap appears as patchy scaling or thick crusts on the scalp and greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. Cradle cap usually doesn't bother the infant.

Cradle cap causes crusty or oily scaly patches on a baby's scalp. The condition isn't painful or itchy. But it can cause thick white or yellow scales that aren't easy to remove. Cradle cap usually clears up on its own in weeks or a few months. Home care measures include washing your baby's scalp daily with a mild shampoo. This can help you loosen and remove the scales. Don't scratch cradle cap. If cradle cap persists or seems severe, your doctor may suggest a medicated shampoo, lotion or other treatment.

The exact cause of cradle cap isn't known. It's likely due to a combination of things. Too much skin oil sebum in the oil glands and hair follicles and a type of yeast found on the skin called Malassezia may play roles in the development of seborrheic dermatitis.

Health care professionals can diagnose cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis by the way the skin looks and where the rash is. Babies with seborrheic dermatitis are usually well and the condition should get better on its own or with treatment.

Cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis in infants usually clears up on its own in weeks or months. In the meantime, you may want to loosen and remove the scales on your baby's scalp:.

If regular shampooing doesn't help, your doctor may recommend a mild steroid cream or antifungal shampoo.

But you should take your baby to see the GP for the following reasons:. If you want to get rid of the crusts, regularly massage baby oil or petroleum jelly like Vaseline into the crusts before bathing your baby.

Use mild baby shampoo to wash this out. Over time, the crusts will soften and should lift off easily if you brush over them with a cotton bud or soft baby toothbrush. If the crusts are inflamed, your GP might prescribe a combination mild corticosteroid and anti-yeast cream — for example, Hydrozole cream. Informational Alert. Cradle Cap. Is this your child's symptom?

A scaly rash on the scalp that starts in newborns Symptoms of Cradle Cap Yellow scales and crusts attached to the scalp Occurs in patches Scales can be greasy or dry Not itchy or painful Begins in the first 2 to 6 weeks of life Cause of Cradle Cap Cradle cap is probably caused by hormones from the mother. These hormones cross the placenta before birth.