Cradle Cap

This is a form of seborrheic dermatitis in which crusty, yellowish scales accumulate on a baby's scalp. The condition is very common, affecting some 50 percent of newborns during the first few months of life. Although somewhat unsightly, cradle cap is harmless; it causes no discomfort or itching and rapidly disappears with proper scalp hygiene.

WHAT CAUSES CRADLE CAP?
The cause is unknown but is probably linked to the oil-producing sebaceous glands, which are located primarily on the scalp, face and genitals. During early infancy, these glands are very active and secrete excessive quantities of sebum, a mixture of cellular debris and fat. If the hair is infrequently shampooed, sebum accumulates on the scalp and causes cradle cap. Parents sometimes inadvertently set the stage for cradle cap by failing to wash their newborn's scalp thoroughly for fear of injuring the fontanelle, or soft spot. The skin covering the fontanelle is just as resilient as the rest of a baby's skin, however, and will not tear or puncture easily.

WHEN SHOULD I SUSPECT THAT MY BABY HAS CRADLE CAP?
If you notice yellowish, greasy-looking, scaly patches on the baby's scalp, cradle cap is probably the cause. Occasionally, scaling can also be seen around the hairline, nose, ears and eyelids.

			• On eczema

The condition usually develops in the first few weeks of life and disappears after a few months, but—if the scalp is not kept thoroughly clean—it can continue to recur throughout the first year of life.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Removal of the crusts and regular, thorough cleansing of the scalp will eliminate cradle cap in virtually every case. To remove the scales more easily, massage mineral or olive oil into the baby's scalp and allow it to soften the scales. Then use a wash cloth or soft toothbrush to gently scrape away the crust. Be sure to follow this procedure with a thorough washing—perhaps with a mild antidandruff shampoo—because leftover oil can aggravate cradle cap. A soft-bristled brush and a fine-toothed comb are helpful in removing the cradle cap completely.

Once the condition has cleared up, frequent, vigorous shampooing and daily brushing usually will keep cradle cap from recurring. If the condition persists, the doctor can prescribe a stronger shampoo or topical preparation.

GETTING HELP
Call your doctor if your child:

• Does not respond to home treatment

• The rash spreads to other parts of your baby's body

• The rash is itchy or inflamed or shows signs of infection

Excerpt from THE DISNEY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BABY & CHILD CARE, © 1995 DSH Communications, Inc. This material is based on current medical research and, to the best of the editors' knowledge and understanding, is accurate and valid. However the reader should not use information contained in this material to alter a medically prescribed regimen or as a form of self-treatment, without seeking the advice of a licensed physician.