Cradle Cap

Cradle Cap

Article
Kids' Zone
Skin Care
+1
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAApr 16, 2021

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Infantile Dandruff
  • Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis

What is Cradle Cap? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Cradle Cap is a common skin condition where scaly skin appears in patches on a newborn’s scalp, and often flakes-off in the form of dandruff. It is also known as Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis
  • The exact cause of Cradle Cap is unknown, though it is believed that it is related to the overproduction of oil in the scalp area. No risk factors for the condition have been yet identified
  • A healthcare provider typically diagnoses Cradle Cap upon examination of the skin for the characteristic patches of the condition. It often resolves on its own in a few months.
  • Cradle Cap may be treated by gentle brushing of the scalp/hair and using antifungal shampoo. However, a healthcare provider should always be consulted before using any OTC treatments, as they are usually not meant for infants
  • The prognosis of Cradle Cap is good. Often, no treatment is required and the condition resolves on its own within a few months. It is not considered a serious skin condition

Who gets Cradle Cap? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Cradle Cap affects newborn babies of both male and female genders
  • Children of all races and ethnicities are susceptible to the condition

What are the Risk Factors of Cradle Cap? (Predisposing Factors)

  • There are no known risk factors of Cradle Cap. It is a common condition that is likely to affect any infant

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Cradle Cap? (Etiology)

The cause of Cradle Cap is not definitively known. It is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene, allergies, or infections. Several theories have been proposed and some of these include:

  • Overproduction of oil (sebum) by the skin due to highly active sebaceous glands of the baby. This may be caused by the presence of a mother’s hormones still circulating in the blood of the baby
  • Presence of a type of skin yeast, called Malassezia, that grow in the sebum affecting the scalp

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cradle Cap?

The various signs and symptoms of Cradle Cap include:

  • Patchy scaling on the scalp
  • Formation of thick plaques on the scalp
  • Skin flakes (dandruff)
  • Oily or greasy patches of skin covered with white/yellow scales

How is Cradle Cap Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Cradle Cap is made by the following tests and exams:

  • A complete physical examination and assessment of presenting symptoms
  • An evaluation of the affected child’s family (including mother’s) medical history
  • Examination of the scalp by a healthcare provider for typical dermatological signs of Cradle Cap

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Cradle Cap?

The potential complications of Cradle Cap include:

  • Development of atopic dermatitis (often called infantile eczema), which can continue for many years and cause itchiness and irritation in the child
  • Recurrence of seborrheic dermatitis during puberty or adulthood

How is Cradle Cap Treated?

In most cases, Cradle Cap often does not require any medical treatment, as it can resolve on its own. However, some of the conservative treatment measures for Cradle Cap may include:

  • Frequent washing of scalp with baby shampoo
  • Soft brushing of the hair for removal of scale
  • More aggressive treatments are only advised under the direction of a healthcare provider due to the potential toxicity for an infant. These treatments may include:
    • Use of antifungal dandruff shampoo
    • Hydrocortisone (for inflammation)

How can Cradle Cap be Prevented?

Presently, it is not possible to prevent Cradle Cap. However, many healthcare providers recommend washing a newborn’s hair a few times a week with a mild baby shampoo to prevent scale buildup.

What is the Prognosis of Cradle Cap? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • The prognosis of Cradle Cap is typically excellent in a vast majority of the cases. It is not considered a serious skin condition
  • Often, the condition presents with mild symptoms that resolves in a few months on its own, with or without treatment

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Cradle Cap:

Scratching the affected area is not beneficial in mitigating the symptoms. However, loosening the scales with gentle washing can be an effective method of eliminating scaly buildup.

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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