Cradle cap
A thick yellow encrustation on the scalp, cradle cap occurs mainly in babies, although children up to the age of three can have it.
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The yellow scales appear in small patches or can cover the entire scalp. Cradle cap is not due to poor hygiene. Babies who suffer from it probably just have greasier scalps. Cradle cap may look unsightly, but it is quite harmless unless it is accompanied by red, scaly areas elsewhere on your baby's body, in which case your baby may have eczema.
What to do
Don't try to remove the scales with your fingers. If they won't brush out, they must be loosened first. Smear a little baby oil or aqueous cream on your baby's scalp and leave overnight. This makes the scales soft and loose and they'll wash away when you shampoo the next day. If the cradle cap becomes hard and thick, you may need to continue the treatment over a ten-day period. Seek medical advice if you're worried or if your baby has red scaly areas elsewhere.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 03.11.2010
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