Cradle cap happens if your baby's skin makes too much oil (sebum). This extra oil interferes with the natural shedding of skin on his scalp and creates a build-up of dead skin over the scalp. Your baby's skin probably makes the extra oil because mum's hormones are still circulating in his bloodstream after birth. Cradle cap might also happen if your baby's immune system overreacts to the presence of normal yeast on her scalp. This overreaction causes inflammation. It usually presents within the first few weeks of life and can recur for up to 4-6 months. This is dry flaky skin on the scalp, eyebrows and occasionally behind the ears. You may notice scaly, pink to red patches on the scalp or other areas of the body e.g. the neck, armpits and groin. Areas can present with greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales.

Cradle cap isn't contagious, dangerous or serious, neither does it bother your baby. Cradle cap doesn't need to be treated. It usually clears by itself within a few months of birth, as mum's hormones leave your baby's bloodstream. If you want to get rid of the scale, regularly massage with baby oil or soft paraffin (Vaseline) into the crusts before bathing your baby. Use mild baby shampoo to wash this out. Over time, the crusts will soften and should lift off easily with a cotton bud or soft brush. Don't force the crusts, because this might make your baby's skin bleed. Don't be worried if the cradle cap comes back after treatment. This just means that your baby's glands are still making extra oil. The cradle cap should clear by 6-12 months.

When to see a doctor about cradle cap

Take your child to a healthcare professional if:

• The cradle cap doesn't improve after two weeks, despite the simple treatment described above
• The rash is red, or your baby is scratching at it
• The rash seems to be spreading
• Your baby seems irritated by it
• You're in any doubt that it is cradle cap

Reference: HealthHub, HealthXchange, BabyBonus