How can I remove cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) from my baby's scalp?

Cradle cap, a form of seborrheic dermatitis that affects an infant's scalp, can be removed through gentle home care. This involves gently massaging your baby's scalp with your fingers or a soft brush to loosen the scales, followed by washing the hair daily with a mild shampoo. In severe cases or those that do not respond to home care, a doctor may prescribe a medicated shampoo or cream.

Cradle cap is a common, non-contagious, and harmless skin condition that usually clears up on its own within a few months, though it may persist until the age of two or three in some children [3]. It is thought to be caused by the oil glands on the baby's scalp overproducing oil [3].

Home Care Steps to Remove Cradle Cap

To help remove cradle cap, the following steps can be taken at home:

• Daily Massage and Washing: Gently massage your baby's scalp with your fingers or a soft brush to help loosen the scales. Afterward, wash your baby's hair daily with a mild shampoo, ensuring that the shampoo is completely rinsed out [3].
• Using Mineral Oil: If the scales do not loosen easily, you can apply a small amount of mineral oil to your baby's scalp. Wrap a warm, damp cloth around the head for up to an hour before shampooing. You must constantly check that the cloth has not cooled, as a cold cloth can lower the baby's body temperature [3].
• Regular Brushing: After each shampoo and several times throughout the day, brush your baby's hair with a clean, soft brush. Wash the brush daily with soap and water to remove any scales or oils from the scalp [3].

Once the scales have disappeared, the frequency of shampooing can be reduced to twice a week [3].

When Should You See a Doctor?

In most cases, cradle cap can be managed at home [3]. However, you should contact your baby's healthcare provider in the following situations:

• If the scales do not disappear or worsen after home care [3].
• If the patches begin to ooze fluid or pus, crust over, or become very red or painful [3].
• If your baby develops a fever, as this may be due to a worsening infection [3].
• If your baby seems uncomfortable or is scratching their scalp all the time [3].

A doctor may prescribe a medicated shampoo or cream in severe cases [2].

Natural Oils and Cradle Cap Treatment

There is interest in using natural oils, such as tea tree oil, to treat some skin conditions, but there is insufficient evidence to determine whether topical tea tree oil is useful for cradle cap [1]. It is important not to ingest tea tree oil because it can cause serious symptoms such as confusion, unsteadiness, and coma [1]. In general, you should consult your healthcare provider before using any herbal products or complementary treatments for your baby [1].

For more information about dandruff and cradle cap, you can visit the page: Dandruff and Cradle Cap: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention of Seborrheic Dermatitis (Arabic).

Medical references

• Cradle cap
• Dandruff, Cradle Cap, and Other Scalp Conditions
• Tea Tree Oil