Cradle cap (seborrhea) is a very common rash that is frequently seen on the scalp on infants between 1 month and 1 year of age.  Pink areas with yellow, greasy scaling are common.  The rash is common on the scalp, neck, face and diaper area, but it may occur nearly anywhere on the body.  It is often confused with eczema, although seborrhea is usually less itchy and can occur in moist areas of the body such as skin folds (unlike eczema).  Treatment is usually not necessary, but may involve rubbing dandruff shampoo onto affected areas or in severe cases, using steroid creams.  Most often, lightly removing the scale with a soft brush or wet rag is all that is needed.

What causes cradle cap?

Nobody knows for sure.  It seems to involve inflammation of the skin with excess excretion of sebum, which leads to the greasy scales. 

Does cradle cap (or seborrhea) occur in older children?

Mild, localized cases can occur in children of all ages.  If the rash is extremely itchy, in an older infant or child, or persists for several weeks, then other causes of rash should be considered.

What are the symptoms of cradle cap (seborrhea)?

• Pink, blotchy rash with yellow, greasy scaling.  It often occurs on the scalp in infants, but is also common on the face, diaper area and neck.
• The rash is usually not itchy (but can be)
• It usually comes and goes, and responds well to treatment
• It is not associated with diarrhea, poor weight gain or fever

How is cradle cap diagnosed?

A physician can diagnose cradle cap by the way it looks.  Tests are not necessary unless another cause is suspected.

How is cradle cap treated?

• Using a soft brush or wet rag, the scale can be gently removed.
• Dandruff shampoos can be used like lotions on the lesions
• Rarely, steroid creams may be necessary