What is cradle cap, and what is the treatment for cradle cap?

Cradle cap in babies is ubiquitous in the newborn period. It usually presents as orange or yellow, oily or greasy flakes on your baby’s scalp. It can also appear on your baby’s eyebrows, between the eyes, and even with the ears. It is a blockage and build-up of the oil glands, which are natural to our skin.

There are a few different options for treatment for cradle cap.

1. Do nothing! It will likely go away on its own.

2. Apply a small amount of oil to the areas, allow it to seep in and dissolve some of the flakes, then brush it out with a soft bristle toothbrush. Continue daily.

3. If the cradle cap is very widespread or bothersome, your doctor can recommend some over-the-counter or prescription creams or shampoos to speed up the process.

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About Dr. Dina Kulik MD, FRCPC, PEM

Dr. Dina Kulik completed her Pediatrics Residency and Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children. Dr. Dina is one of Canada’s leading child health media experts, providing child health information through television, radio, print media, and via her blog DrDina.ca. Above all, Dina’s greatest joy is her family, and being the mom of four crazy boys.

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