Symptoms

Common signs of cradle cap include:

• Patchy scaling or thick crusts on the scalp
• Oily or dry skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales
• Skin flakes
• Possibly mild redness

Similar scales may also be present on the ears, eyelids, nose and groin.

Cradle cap is common in newborns. It usually isn't itchy.

Cradle cap is the common term for infantile seborrheic dermatitis. It's sometimes confused with another skin condition, atopic dermatitis. A major difference between these conditions is that atopic dermatitis usually causes significant itching.

When to see a doctor

See your baby's doctor if:

• You've tried treating it at home without success
• The patches spread to your baby's face or body