Cradle cap is a common, harmless skin condition seen in newborns and young infants, characterized by scaly, crusty patches on the scalp, and sometimes on the eyebrows, eyelids, ears, or other parts of the body. Medically known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis, cradle cap is not painful or itchy for the baby and does not cause any discomfort, though it can appear unsightly.
Cradle cap typically resolves on its own within weeks to a few months, but gentle treatments can help remove the scales more quickly. These treatments may include washing the baby’s scalp with a mild baby shampoo, using a soft brush to loosen scales, and applying mineral oil or petroleum jelly to soften crusty areas.