What is Cradle Cap?
Cradle cap is a generally harmless but unattractive scalp condition that strikes babies and young children up to age 3. In adults or older children, or on other parts of a baby’s body, it’s called seborrheic dermatitis. With cradle cap, the skin of the scalp looks greasy or oily and has dry patches that look like dandruff or crusty yellow scales. Cradle cap typically doesn’t lead to any complications, although if it itches, scratching could cause skin irritation and bleeding or create an opening for infection, particularly in older babies or toddlers who have the coordination to scratch the itch. What causes cradle cap? Doctors aren’t sure what triggers the scalp condition, but one theory is that before birth, pregnancy hormones overstimulate the oil-producing glands on the baby’s scalp. Another theory points a finger at a yeast or fungal infection. Cradle cap is not believed to be an allergic reaction, contagious, or related to poor hygiene, although frequent shampooing can help clear
