Cradle Cap Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

Written by Lone Parenting Advisor

Cradle Cap (Seborrhoeic Dermatitis) is a mild skin condition that is extremely common amongst babies between the ages of 3 and 9 months old.

With Cradle Cap (Seborrhoeic Dermatitis) the scalp of your baby becomes covered with thick, yellow patches that appear like scales. It can also appear on the skin behind the ears, on the face, neck and nappy area.

The cause of Cradle Cap (Seborrhoeic Dermatitis) is unclear, but it is not associated with poor hygiene, it could possibly be due to the over-producing oil glands in the childs skin.

Although it is very mild, Cradle Cap (Seborrhoeic Dermatitis) is reaonably harmless unless the skin becomes infected.

Signs and Symptoms

• Thick and yellowish scales on the childs scalp
• Reddening around the childs scalp and forehead
• In extreme cases there may be some discomfort and itching

Incubation Period

There is no incubation period with Cradle Cap (Seborrhoeic Dermatitis).

Treatment

With treatment of Cradle Cap (Seborrhoeic Dermatitis) it is recommended that you use baby soap and a shampoo that is mild. this shampoo and soap can be used daily by massaging it straight onto the childs scalp to loosen the scales.

If the Cradle Cap (Seborrhoeic Dermatitis) fails to loosen with a mild shampoo then a mild olive oil can be used by massaging it straight onto the childs scalp and leaving it on overnight.

If the condition fails to show signs of improvement after using these methods then contact your local health centre for further advice regarding Cradle Cap (Seborrhoeic Dermatitis).