What are those Scales on My Newborn's Scalp?

If you see yellowish, greasy and flaky scales on reddened skin of your baby's scalp, chances are it is cradle cap. Don't be alarmed-it can usually be improved within a few weeks. Many parents worry that that cradle cap is a result of something they did wrong, or that they are not washing their baby well enough, but this is not the case. It is a common condition similar to, and no more serious than, dandruff that occurs later in life. Often, babies with cradle cap also have red areas of skin on the face and neck, and sometimes also in creases of skin such as in the diaper area.

What should I do at home?

• Massage warm mineral oil or baby oil into your baby's scalp and use a soft-bristled brush to loosen the scales. Then shampoo the oil and scales away. Many parents worry that brushing or scrubbing the soft spot will hurt their baby, but this cannot happen with normal handling. Don't be afraid to use firm pressure when brushing the scalp-it will help to loosen the dead skin that is causing the cradle cap.
• In more severe cases where the scales are thicker and more widespread, use an anti-dandruff shampoo after the mineral oil application. Since anti-dandruff shampoo can be irritating, use it only twice a week. Again, don't be afraid to scrub your baby's scalp vigorously.

Call your doctor or nurse practitioner if:

• The rash is very red and irritated
• A raw, weeping rash is located behind the ears-this is common with cradle cap and is not dangerous, but may require another kind of medicine
• Cradle cap lasts more than two weeks despite treatment

Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011