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Cradle cap is an oily, thick, 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.
Call Health Link at 811 or talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about your baby’s cradle cap or if cradle cap does not get better with home treatment. For more information, visit Healthy Parents Health Children.
Adaptation Date: 10/15/2024
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Ignite Healthwise, LLC (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
Cradle cap (Figure 1) is an oily, thick, 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 an oily, yellow scaling or crusting on a baby's scalp. It is caused by a buildup of sticky skin oils, scales, and sloughed skin cells. Cradle cap is common in babies and is easily treated.
Current as of: October 24, 2023
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffClinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
