Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a common condition that affects many babies in their first few months of life.
It’s characterized by greasy white or yellowish scales which appear on your baby’s scalp – these are harmless and don’t cause your baby any discomfort. You may also notice it in your baby’s eyebrows.
Cradle cap will clear up by itself eventually, but you can help to get rid of it by gently massaging olive oil into your baby’s scalp for around 15 minutes and then using a soft baby hairbrush to brush off the flakes before washing his hair. Alternately, your pharmacist can recommend an over-the-counter cradle cap shampoo.
Resist the urge to pick the scales off as this can cause the skin underneath to become infected. ?In rare cases where cradle cap persists it’s advisable to see your pediatrician in case your baby has a skin problem such as eczema.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 19/06/2007
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