Print Overview Cradle cap on white skin Enlarge image Close Cradle cap on white skin Cradle cap on white skin On white skin, cradle cap is characterized by scaly patches on a baby's scalp. You may notice thick, yellow patches of skin. The patches may be crusty or greasy. Cradle cap on Black skin Enlarge image Close Cradle cap on Black skin Cradle cap on Black skin On Black or brown skin, cradle cap appears as patchy scaling or thick crusts on the scalp and greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. Cradle cap usually doesn't bother the infant. Cradle cap causes crusty or oily scaly patches on a baby's scalp. 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 doesn't stop or seems serious, your baby's doctor or other health care professional may suggest a medicated shampoo, lotion or other treatment.Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health BookNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic SymptomsCommon symptoms 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. Mild inflammation. Similar scales also may 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 can be very itchy. When to see a doctorSee your baby's doctor or other health care professional if: You've tried treating cradle cap at home without success. The patches spread to your baby's face or body. Request an appointment CausesThe cause of cradle cap isn't known. One factor may be hormones that pass from the mother to the baby before birth. These hormones can cause oil glands and hair follicles to make too much oil. This oil is called sebum. Another factor may be a fungus called malassezia (mal-uh-SEE-zhuh) that grows in the sebum along with bacteria. Antifungal treatments often help control symptoms. This supports the idea that malassezia is a cause. An example of an antifungal treatment is ketoconazole. Cradle cap isn't contagious, and it's not caused by poor hygiene. Risk factorsCradle cap is very common in babies. There are no known risk factors for it. PreventionShampooing your baby's hair every few days can help prevent cradle cap. Use a baby shampoo unless your baby's doctor or other health care professional suggests a stronger product. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Jan. 06, 2024 Print Show references AskMayoExpert. Seborrheic dermatitis. Mayo Clinic; 2023. Patient education. Caring for your newborn. Mayo Clinic; 2019. Sasseville D. Cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis in infants. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 6, 2023. Kelly AP, et al. Pediatrics. In: Taylor and Kelly's Dermatology for Skin of Color. 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill; 2016. Related Cradle cap on Black skin Cradle cap on white skin Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Cradle capSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatment Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20154763 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Cradle cap