cradle cap

Cradle cap is the name given to the yellowish, greasy scaly patches that appear on the scalp of young babies. It is a very common, harmless condition that does not usually itch or cause any discomfort to the baby
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Cradle cap usually begins in babies during thier first three months and tends to last a few weeks or months. It usually clears up by the time the child is two years old, although in rare cases children can have cradle cap for a lot longer.

The cause of cradle cap is not clear, although it may be linked to overactive sebaceous glands, which are glands in the skin that produce an oily substance called sebum.

Cradle cap requires no specific treatment, although gently washing the baby's hair and scalp may prevent a build-up of the scale.

Cradle cap requires no specific treatment, and will eventually clear up on its own. However, gently washing the baby's hair and scalp may prevent a build-up of the scale.

To help to loosen the crust, massage a small amount of baby oil or petroleum jelly into the scalp at night. This will help to soften the patchy scales.

In the morning, using a soft baby brush or cloth, gently remove any loose particles, and then wash the hair with a baby shampoo.