How to treat cradle cap

Mums have a lot to worry about without having to deal with cradle cap too. But have no fear – this harmless condition is easier to treat than you might think! Learn how to treat cradle cap, what causes it and how to prevent it in this handy guide.  

What is cradle cap?

Cradle cap is a common skin condition that occurs in newborns and babies between 2-6 weeks old. Because babies have such soft, smooth skin, cradle cap can look a little scary. But don’t worry – it’s not painful or itchy and won’t cause any long-term damage.  

Cradle cap most commonly affects the scalp and face, but it can also appear on the nappy area. Symptoms of cradle cap include: 

• Patches of thick crusts on the scalp and face 
• Greasy or dry skin covered by white and yellow scales 
• Dry flakes of skin around the nappy area 

Can adults get cradle cap?

Cradle cap in adults is far less common, but it can happen. But unlike the kind that affects babies, we know it more commonly as dandruff or seborrhoea. It happens when the skin produces excess sebum, causing dead skin cells to accumulate and stick together. Scaly patches form, sometimes becoming red and itchy.  

What causes cradle cap?

No one really knows why cradle cap occurs. Some doctors believe that rough patches appear when your baby’s oil glands produce more oil than they need to. It’s thought that the extra oil causes dead skin cells to stick to the scalp, resulting in dry, patchy, sometimes-greasy skin. 

How to treat cradle cap

The good news is that cradle cap usually clears up on its own within 6 to 12 months. However, you can help remove dry or crusty flakes by washing your baby’s head with a mild shampoo and loosening flaky skin with a soft brush. You can also massage your baby’s head with your fingers before or after shampooing to encourage dry skin to fall off naturally.  

Dove’s Sensitive Baby Body Wash is a moisturising, hypoallergenic head-to-toe body wash and shampoo that can help treat and prevent cradle cap. It’s made with 100% natural ingredients identical to those found in skin, helping your baby’s skin retain moisture. Colief Scalp Oil is effective in treating cradle cap, too. Made with soothing, nourishing ingredients, including rosehip oil, chamomile and vitamin E, this quick-absorbing oil helps soften flaky skin on the scalp.  

Once your baby’s cradle cap is under control, use your fingers or a soft-bristled brush to gently massage the scalp. This will help prevent the build-up of dry skin. After shampooing, be sure to rinse out all the residue to minimise build-up and help keep cradle cap at bay. 

Baby Dove Head to toe wash Fragrance Free Moisture 400ml

£2.89

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Colief Scalp Oil 30ml

£3.49

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