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Parentpedia
Cradle Cap
What Experts Say*
Bet you never thought your new baby could star in a dandruff-shampoo commercial, did you? But if you've noticed a scaly rash on him, it could be cradle cap, which in essence is not much different from dandruff.
Cradle cap is characterized by a reddish, scaly build-up, but fortunately for your baby, it's pain- and itch-free, so he should be blissfully unaware of his condition. And, while cradle cap crops up by four weeks or so, it's usually long gone by your baby's first birthday, and often much sooner.
Like baby acne, this is another infant skin condition you can blame on your maternal hormones. Cradle cap is caused by excessive production of sebum (oil) triggered by hormones you pass to your baby at birth. The oil then traps skin cells that would normally have been shed, leading to the reddish, scaly build-up. Consult your doctor for the best ways to treat cradle cap. He may recommend gentle brushing with a soft baby hairbrush before daily washes with mild baby shampoo. This should help loosen the flakes and wash them away.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics' "Caring for Your Baby and Young Child," the condition can sometimes show up in other areas of your baby's body, specifically on the face and in the creases of the diaper area (where there is also a high concentration of oil-producing glands). When that happens, it's called seborrheic dermatitis. Again, while unsightly, the condition is not bothersome to the baby. If you see seborrheic dermatitis in your baby's skin folds, ask your pediatrician for advice. He or she may suggest a mild cortisone cream.
* IMPORTANT NOTICE: Parentpedia contains the opinions and views of other users and not of Disney or its affiliated companies. Given the interactive nature of Parentpedia, we cannot endorse, guarantee or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy or veracity of any content on this site, including the content generated by users, article authors or article reviewers.The contents of Parentpedia are intended for informational purposes only. Such contents provide general information that is not specific to any individual. The contents are not intended to, and do not, substitute for or constitute medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before acting on information obtained from this site. Never disregard professional medical or healthcare advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read on this site. Parentpedia does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on this site. Reliance on information presented on Parentpedia is at your own risk.
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