Cradle cap how long last

The condition isn't painful or itchy. But it can cause thick white or yellow scales that aren't easy to remove. Cradle cap usually clears up on its own in weeks or a few months. Home care measures include washing your baby's scalp daily with a mild shampoo. This can help you loosen and remove the scales. Don't scratch cradle cap. If cradle cap persists or seems severe, your doctor may suggest a medicated shampoo, lotion or other treatment.

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. Gently massage the oil in for about a minute. If your baby still has a soft spot on their head, use extra caution around this area. Leave oil to soak in for about 15 minutes. Wash the oil out with a gentle baby shampoo.

To use this method: Wet the hair and scalp. Massage shampoo into the scalp. Use a baby towel to lather shampoo and gently rub the affected areas. Apply prescription creams. To use: Dilute 2 drops of essential oil in 2 tablespoons of carrier oil.

Apply oils to the affected area. Leave on for a few minutes. Comb or brush flakes off. Wash all oils off with shampoo. When to seek help. Cradle cap vs. Parenthood Baby. Read this next. Treating Cradle Cap in Adults. All About Scalp Eczema A dry, scaly scalp might be scalp eczema.

Steroid Cream for Eczema: Options and What to Know Topical steroid creams are one of the most commonly used eczema treatments. Recognizing the Symptoms of Eczema. Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD. It may also start on the face or diaper area and spread to other parts of the body. Seborrheic dermatitis might look uncomfortable or irritating to the skin. But it usually isn't itchy and doesn't seem to bother infants. The exact cause of cradle cap isn't known. It's likely due to a combination of things.

Too much skin oil sebum in the oil glands and hair follicles and a type of yeast found on the skin called Malassezia may play roles in the development of seborrheic dermatitis. Health care professionals can diagnose cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis by the way the skin looks and where the rash is.

Babies with seborrheic dermatitis are usually well and the condition should get better on its own or with treatment. Don't use over-the-counter cortisone or antifungal creams without talking to your baby's doctor, because some of these products can be toxic when absorbed through a baby's skin. Dandruff shampoos that contain salicylic acid aren't recommended for use in babies either, because they can be absorbed through the skin. The following over-the-counter treatments and home care tips can help you control and manage cradle cap.

If your baby's cradle cap doesn't improve with home care measures or starts to spread, make an appointment with your baby's pediatrician. Here's some information to help you prepare for your visit. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.