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What is cradle cap and how can I treat it?
Cradle cap is a harmless, common baby skin condition that usually clears on its own with gentle home care.
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What it is
Cradle cap is a harmless skin condition that is common in babies [1]. It usually goes away on its own within a few months [1]. The main symptom is patches of greasy, scaly skin, often on the scalp and face [1]. It can sometimes affect the nappy area and skin creases [1]. The scales may look white or yellow and greasy, and can form a crust that flakes off [1]. On the nappy area, it may look like small, dry flakes of skin [1]. The scales look similar on all skin tones, but the skin under and around them may look pink or red on white skin, or lighter or darker on brown or black skin [1]. Cradle cap is not itchy or painful and does not bother your baby [1]. The cause is not clear, but it cannot be caught from other babies [1].
What you can do at home
You can try several things to help remove cradle cap [2]. Your baby’s hair may come away with the scales—do not worry, as it will soon grow back [2].
- Lightly massage an emollient (moisturiser) or coconut oil onto your baby’s scalp to help loosen the scales [2].
- Gently brush your baby’s scalp with a soft brush, then wash it with baby shampoo [2].
- Bathe your baby regularly using water and an emollient instead of soap if scales appear on other areas of the body [2].
- Change wet or dirty nappies as soon as possible and apply a barrier cream to protect the skin if scales are on the bottom or nappy area [2].
Do not use olive oil, as it may not be suitable for skin [5]. Do not use peanut oil because of the allergy risk [5]. Do not use soap, adult shampoos, or products containing fragrance or perfume [5]. Do not pick crusts, as this can increase the chance of infection [5].
You can ask a pharmacist about an emollient for the scalp, unperfumed baby shampoos, and barrier creams for the nappy area if it is affected [3].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
See a GP if your baby’s cradle cap does not get better after a few weeks of treatment [3]. Also see a GP if your baby has cradle cap all over their body [3]. See a GP if the crusts bleed or leak fluid [3]. See a GP if the affected areas look swollen [3]. Bleeding, leaking fluid, and swelling could be signs of an infection or another condition like atopic eczema or scabies [3].
Common questions
Is cradle cap contagious? No. Cradle cap cannot be caught from other babies [1].
Will my baby’s hair grow back if it falls out with the scales? Yes. Your baby’s hair may come away with the scales, but it will soon grow back [2].
Is cradle cap painful for my baby? No. Cradle cap is not itchy or painful and does not bother your baby [1].
Sources
[1] NHS — “Cradle cap” (2025), section “Cradle cap”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cradle-cap/ [2] NHS — “Cradle cap” (2025), section “Things you can do to help with cradle cap”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cradle-cap/ [3] NHS — “Cradle cap” (2025), section “A pharmacist can help with cradle cap”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cradle-cap/ [5] NHS — “Cradle cap” (2025), section “Don’t”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cradle-cap/
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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