Symptoms
Cradle cap often occurs in infants during the first months of life. It manifests as a yellowish, encrusted, greasy and scaly scalp and may be accompanied by redness. The rash is not itchy and does not pose a medical problem for the child. Redness may also occur around the eyes, on the neck, and in other skin folds, among other areas. Some parents perceive cradle cap as cosmetically disturbing or are concerned about it. Cradle cap is also the medical term for the first onset of atopic dermatitis (neurodermatitis). See under atopic dermatitis. This article refers to infant seborrheic eczema.
Causes
Cradle cap is a seborrheic dermatitis of the infant that is favored by colonization with yeasts of the genus , e.g., and (formerly: ). These fungi occur physiologically on the skin.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis requires medical treatment to exclude other skin diseases. These include intertrigo, impetigo, diaper dermatitis, and initial manifestation of atopic dermatitis.
Treatment
Cradle cap is benign and usually disappears on its own within weeks to months. Therefore, treatment is not mandatory. The dandruff can be softened overnight or during some time with a fatty oil and then removed with baby shampoo and a soft brush. Alternatively, a mineral oil such as kerosene or another suitable liquid can be used. The disadvantage is that these substances are highly greasy. In addition to the traditional approach with oil, today there are also suitable cosmetic products such as Avene Pédiatril care gel for cradle cap. The scalp should be washed regularly with baby shampoo. On the prescription of the pediatrician, keratolytics, antifungals (ketoconazole) and topical glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone) may also be used in severe or therapy-resistant cases. If cradle cap is perceived as cosmetically bothersome, the child may also be fitted with a cap.