Cradle Cap: What It Is, Why It Happens and How to Treat It

Quick answer: Cradle cap is a common, harmless newborn skin condition causing greasy yellowish or brownish crusty patches, usually on the scalp. It's linked to overactive oil glands stimulated by maternal hormones, not poor hygiene, and it isn't contagious. Most cases need no treatment and clear within a few months. If you want to treat it, apply a gentle oil, loosen scales softly and wash with baby shampoo. Never pick the scales.

What parents need to know

You notice yellow, crusty, scaly patches on your newborn's scalp. Or maybe it's spread to their eyebrows, nose, or ears. It looks a little alarming — but cradle cap is one of the most common and completely harmless newborn skin conditions there is. Almost half of all babies get it to some degree.

What is cradle cap?

Cradle cap (seborrhoeic dermatitis) is a common skin condition that causes greasy, yellowish or brownish crusty patches on a baby's scalp. It can also appear on the face, ears, neck, armpits, and nappy area. Despite looking uncomfortable, cradle cap doesn't cause itching or pain — it bothers parents far more than it bothers babies.

What causes it?

The exact cause isn't fully understood, but it's thought to be related to overactive sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands in the skin) stimulated by maternal hormones still present in the baby's system after birth. It's not caused by poor hygiene, and it's not contagious. It can't be prevented or caused by anything you've done.

When does cradle cap appear?

It most commonly develops in the first few weeks of life and usually resolves on its own within a few months. Some babies have it for up to a year. It's uncommon after 12 months.

How to treat cradle cap

Leave it alone

In most cases, cradle cap doesn't need any treatment. It will go away on its own. If you're not bothered by the appearance, you don't need to do anything at all.

Gentle oil and brush

If you want to treat it, the most commonly recommended approach is:

1. Lightly massage a small amount of emollient (moisturiser) or coconut oil onto the scalp and leave for 15–20 minutes, or overnight.
2. Using a soft baby brush or your fingertips, very gently loosen the scales.
3. Wash the hair with a gentle baby shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

Don't pick or scratch the scales. This can cause the skin to break and increase the risk of infection.

Specialist shampoos

For more persistent cradle cap, there are specially formulated cradle cap shampoos available (e.g., Dentinox Cradle Cap Treatment Shampoo) that can help loosen scales during washing. These are available over the counter.

What not to use

• Avoid olive oil. The NHS says it may not be suitable for use on skin, and the National Eczema Society says it has been found to damage the skin barrier.
• Don't use peanut oil, because of the allergy risk.
• Don't use adult anti-dandruff shampoos (like Head & Shoulders) on babies.

When does cradle cap become something else?

See your GP if:

• The affected area becomes red, inflamed, very sore, or starts to weep. This could indicate a secondary infection or eczema
• The rash spreads significantly beyond the scalp
• Your baby seems distressed by it (itching is unusual in cradle cap; if it's itchy, it may be eczema instead)
• It does not get better after a few weeks of treatment
• The crusts bleed or leak fluid, or the affected areas look swollen

In some cases, what looks like cradle cap is actually infantile eczema or a fungal skin condition, both of which need different treatment.

Will it come back?

Cradle cap often clears up and then reappears a few times before going away for good. This is normal. Continue with gentle treatment as needed.

Frequently asked questions

Is cradle cap itchy or painful for babies?

No. Cradle cap doesn't cause itching or pain, and it bothers parents far more than it bothers babies. If your baby does seem itchy, it may be eczema rather than cradle cap, so speak to your GP.

Can I use olive oil on cradle cap?

No. The NHS advises against olive oil because it may not be suitable for use on skin, and the National Eczema Society says it has been found to damage the skin barrier. Use an emollient (moisturiser) or coconut oil instead, and avoid peanut oil, adult shampoos and anything containing fragrance or perfume.

How long does cradle cap last?

It usually develops in the first few weeks of life and resolves on its own within a few months. Some babies have it for up to a year, but it's uncommon after 12 months.

Does cradle cap come back?

Often, yes. Cradle cap frequently clears up and then reappears a few times before going away for good. This is normal: continue with gentle treatment as needed.