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Cradle cap

Cradle cap is the yellowish, greasy scale that forms on a baby's scalp in the first months of life.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Cradle cap is the yellowish, greasy scale that forms on a baby's scalp in the first months of life. It does not itch, does not bother the baby, is not an allergy and has nothing to do with hygiene or the mother's diet. It is infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis and it clears on its own, usually before the first birthday. The only thing to avoid is making it worse by trying to remove it too quickly.

How it looks

  • yellow or brown scales and crusts with a greasy appearance, stuck to the scalp;
  • the skin underneath may be slightly pink;
  • a little hair sometimes comes away with a crust — it grows back without problem;
  • it can extend to the eyebrows, the sides of the nose, behind the ears, the neck and the skin folds;
  • in the folds it looks more like red shiny areas than scale;
  • the baby does not scratch and is settled — this is the main difference from atopic dermatitis, where itching dominates;
  • it starts between two weeks and three months and usually resolves between six and twelve months.

Why it happens

Maternal hormones passed to the baby late in pregnancy stimulate the baby's sebaceous glands during the first months. The Malassezia yeast, a normal skin resident, multiplies on that sebum and the skin responds with scaling. Once the hormonal effect fades, the process settles by itself.

What to do

  • soften before removing: apply a vegetable oil — olive or sunflower — or petroleum jelly to the crusts and leave for 20 minutes to an hour;
  • then wash the head with a mild baby shampoo and gently lift the loosened scale with a very soft brush or fine comb;
  • do not pick off adherent crusts: forcing them away breaks the skin and creates a risk of infection;
  • wash the head daily or every other day while it lasts;
  • rinse thoroughly: leftover oil keeps the problem going;
  • in the folds, keep the skin dry and use a barrier cream;
  • do not use nut oils, because of the risk of sensitisation.

If that is not enough

  • shampoos with a mild antifungal, prescribed by your doctor;
  • ketoconazole cream for the face and folds;
  • a very mild steroid in a short course if inflammation is marked, on medical advice only;
  • treatment of any added fungal or bacterial infection.

When to see a doctor

  • the baby is scratching, unsettled or sleeping badly — this is more likely to be atopic dermatitis than cradle cap;
  • the skin is red, hot, weeping, smells unpleasant or has pustules — infection;
  • the rash is spreading over much of the body;
  • there is no improvement after several weeks of care;
  • there are patches of hair loss with scaling in defined areas — ringworm needs to be excluded;
  • the baby is not gaining weight or has diarrhoea alongside the rash;
  • small red spots appear that do not fade when pressed;
  • it has started after 12 months of age.

Cradle cap or atopic dermatitis

This is the most common question, and it comes down to two things: itching and location.

  • cradle cap: greasy scale on the scalp and in the folds; the baby does not scratch; it starts very early;
  • atopic dermatitis: dry, red, itchy skin; in infants it affects the cheeks and the outer surfaces of arms and legs; the baby rubs and sleeps worse; it usually starts a little later.

Common questions

Is it contagious? No.

Is it related to the mother's diet? No. There is no need to change the maternal diet because of this.

Can I comb the crusts out dry? Better not: you drag healthy skin with them. Soften first.

Will the hair grow back? Yes, completely.

Can it come back later? Seborrhoeic dermatitis or dandruff can appear in adolescence, but that is a different stage and context.

Should the head be washed every day? During the episode, yes; afterwards, at your usual frequency.

Online consultation

In an online consultation the doctor reviews photographs, helps distinguish cradle cap from atopic dermatitis and from infection, explains step by step how to soften and lift the scale without damaging the skin, and advises when adding an antifungal shampoo makes sense.

This material is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.

Consult with a doctor about Cradle cap

Consult with a doctor about Cradle cap

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Medically reviewed by

Andrei Popov
Andrei Popov
General medicineMedical License: 464628925

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2026

Online doctors for Cradle cap

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Cradle cap with a doctor online.

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Andreea Mateescu

Paediatrics8 years of experience

Dr Andreea Mateescu is a board-certified paediatrician with 7 years of clinical experience. She graduated from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania, and completed her paediatric residency at INSMC Alessandrescu-Rusescu. She also holds additional training in general ultrasound diagnostics.

Dr Mateescu focuses on providing high-quality, evidence-based medical care for children, with a strong emphasis on prevention, healthy development, and long-term wellbeing. She believes that clear, empathetic communication with both children and parents is essential for building trust and ensuring effective care.

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Dr Mateescu works with patience, empathy, and professionalism, ensuring that each child receives attentive, individualised care. Her goal is to support healthy, balanced development while helping parents feel confident and well-informed at every stage of their child’s care.
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€60
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Tomasz Grzelewski

DermatologyAllergology21 years of experience

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques. For five years, Dr Grzelewski served as the Head of two paediatric departments in Poland, managing complex clinical cases and leading multidisciplinary teams. He also worked in medical centres in the United Kingdom, gaining experience across both primary care and specialist environments. With over a decade of telemedicine experience, he has provided online consultations across Europe and is valued for his clear, structured and evidence-based medical guidance. Dr Grzelewski is actively involved in clinical programmes focused on modern anti-allergic therapies. As a Principal Investigator, he leads research projects on sublingual and oral allergen desensitisation, supporting evidence-based progress in allergy treatment for both children and adults. In addition to his background in allergology and paediatrics, he completed dermatology studies through the Cambridge Education Group (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) and a Clinical Endocrinology course at Harvard Medical School. This advanced training enhances his ability to manage skin manifestations of allergies, atopic conditions, urticaria, endocrine-related symptoms and complex immunological reactions. Patients commonly seek his care for: 

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€106
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Daniel Cichi

General medicinePaediatrics24 years of experience

Dr Daniel Cichi is a family medicine doctor with over 20 years of clinical experience. He provides online consultations for adults, supporting patients with acute symptoms, chronic conditions, and everyday health concerns that require timely medical guidance. His background includes work in emergency care, ambulance services, and family medicine, which allows him to assess symptoms quickly, identify warning signs, and help patients choose the safest next steps – whether that means home care, treatment adjustment, or in-person evaluation. Patients commonly consult Dr Daniel Cichi for:

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Dr Cichi’s consultations are structured and practical. He focuses on clear explanations, risk assessment, and actionable recommendations, helping patients understand their symptoms and make informed decisions about their health.

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€69
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Lizaveta Trafimchuk Takhvaniuk

DermatologyGeneral medicine10 years of experience
Licence no. 58788

Dr. Lizaveta Trafimchuk Takhvaniuk graduated in Medicine and subsequently specialized in Dermatology and Venereology. She has more than 10 years of clinical experience and is licensed to practice in Spain, where she focuses on the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions.

Throughout her education and professional career, Dr. Trafimchuk has gained extensive experience in managing diseases of the skin, hair, and nails, as well as in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Her clinical approach is based on evidence-based medicine, combined with personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs.

In her daily practice, she treats a wide range of dermatological conditions, including chronic inflammatory dermatoses such as acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. She also has experience in treating pigmentation disorders, including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and dyschromia.

She has developed a particular interest in trichology, treating various types of alopecia, chronic hair loss, and scalp disorders. In addition, she has experience in managing infectious dermatoses of fungal, viral, and bacterial origin, as well as in evaluating benign and suspicious skin lesions, with referral to specialized care when necessary.

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€72
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Daria Litash

Dermatology2 years of experience
Licence no. 69233

Dr. Daria Litash is an experienced physician specializing in general medicine, weight management, healthy weight loss, and overall wellness. Her approach combines thorough medical assessment with personalized recommendations to help patients improve their health and maintain an active, balanced lifestyle.

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Dr. Litash also holds a qualification in Aesthetic Medicine, allowing her to approach skin and hair concerns from both a medical and preventive perspective, always following evidence-based principles and current clinical recommendations.

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