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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Common signs of cradle cap include:
- Patchy scaling or thick crusts on the scalp
- Greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales
- Skin flakes or dandruff
- Possibly mild redness
Similar scales may also be present on the ears, eyelids, nose and groin.
Cradle cap is most common in newborns. It isn't contagious and probably won't bother your baby. In most cases, the condition isn't itchy for infants.
When to see a doctor
See your baby's doctor if:
- You've tried self-care steps without success
- The patches spread to your baby's face or body
References
- 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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