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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffThough the exact cause of cradle cap isn't known, one contributing factor may be hormones that pass from the mother to the baby before birth. These hormones cause an abnormal production of oil (sebum) in the oil glands and hair follicles.
Another factor may be a yeast (fungus) called malassezia that grows in the sebum along with bacteria. Antifungal treatments, such as ketoconazole, are often effective, supporting the idea that yeast is a contributing factor.
- O'Connor N, et al. Newborn skin: Part I. Common rashes. American Family Physician 2008;77:4.
- Belsito D. Dermatitis, including atopic, contact, seborrheic, and stasis. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/education/students/dermatitis.htm. Accessed April 6, 2010.
- Johnson BA, et al. Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. American Family Physician. 2000;61:2703.
- Plewig G, et al. Seborrheic dermatitis. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2951940. Accessed April 6, 2010.
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