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Cradle cap is an oily, yellow scaling or crusting on a baby's scalp. It is common in babies and is easily treated. Cradle cap is not a part of any illness and does not imply that a baby is not being well cared for.
Cradle cap is the normal buildup of sticky skin oils, scales, and sloughed skin cells.
Cradle cap is not harmful to your baby. It usually goes away by a baby's first birthday.
Home treatment is usually all that is needed for cradle cap.
Current as of: March 1, 2023
Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review: Susan C. Kim MD - PediatricsKathleen Romito MD - Family MedicineJohn Pope MD - Pediatrics
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Susan C. Kim MD - Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & John Pope MD - Pediatrics
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