Infant and toddler health

• Slides:
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7

Cradle cap

You might expect your baby's skin to be flawless, but baby rashes and other skin conditions — such as cradle cap — are common.

Cradle cap appears as thick, yellow, crusty or greasy patches on a baby's scalp. Cradle cap is most common in newborns and usually clears up on its own by age 6 months. In the meantime, wash your baby's hair with mild baby shampoo and loosen the scales with a small, soft-bristled brush. For stubborn scales, rub petrolatum or a few drops of mineral oil onto your baby's scalp, wait a few minutes, and then brush and shampoo your baby's hair. If cradle cap persists, ask your baby's doctor about other treatment options.

1. Connelly EA, et al. Seborrheic dermatitis. In: McInerny TK, et al. American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009:2485.
2. Liptak GS. Diaper rash. In: McInerny TK, et al. American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009:2010.
3. Trevino JJ, et al. Neonatal skin. In: McInerny TK, et al. American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009:778.
4. Sheffield RC, et al. Clinical inquiries. What's the best treatment for cradle cap? Journal of Family Practice. 2007;56:232.
5. Borkowski S. Diaper rash care and management. Pediatric Nursing. 2004;30:467.
6. Antoniou C, et al. Clinical and therapeutic approach to childhood acne: An update. Pediatric Dermatology. 2009;26:373.
7. Berk DR. Milia: A review and classification. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2008;59:1050.
8. Sullivan CK, et al. Healthy newborn discharge. In: McInerny TK, et al. American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009:840.
9. O'Connor NR, et al. Newborn skin: Part 1. Common rashes. American Family Physician. 2008;77:47.
10. Morelli JG, et al. Skin. In: Hay WW, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics. 19th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2009:1.
11. van der Aa LB, et al. Probiotics and prebiotics in atopic dermatitis: Review of the theoretical background and clinical evidence. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. 2010;21:e355.