How to Treat Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a condition that causes redness and scaliness of the skin, and it commonly appears on a baby's scalp during the first few months of life. Possible causes of cradle cap include effects from maternal hormones, a buildup of skin oils and, occasionally, fungal growth. Cradle cap that affects the scalp alone doesn't usually cause any discomfort, such as soreness or itching. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends gentle and frequent cleansing and brushing to help loosen and remove any buildup of flakiness and scales on your baby's scalp.

Things You'll Need

  • Baby shampoo
  • Soft-bristled brush
  • Towel

Instructions

    • 1

      Dampen your baby's hair and head with warm water. Apply a small amount of mild baby shampoo to your baby's head, and gently massage the shampoo into the hair and scalp until it forms a lather.

    • 2

      Rub the areas of cradle cap on your baby's scalp gently with the pads of your fingers. You can also gently brush the areas using a soft-bristled brush to help loosen excess skin flakes before you rinse off the shampoo.

    • 3

      Rinse the shampoo from your baby's head using warm water. Gently pat your baby's head dry using a soft towel. Repeat steps one through three once a day to help loosen and remove any buildup of scales.

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