Q: How do I care for my child’s cradle cap?

Answered by: Dr Kama Azura binti Jamil, Consultant Paediatrician, Nilai Medical Centre

Cradle cap is a common skin condition of newborns. All you need to do is wash his/her hair with a gentle baby shampoo. You can also massage the scalp with a soft brush or your fingers for a few minutes. Be careful not to pick or scrape the flakes. If the scalp become red and agitated, brush less often. 

If the scalp has thick crusts (scales), apply baby oil on the scalp. A good 15 minutes before shampooing will help to soften the crusts. Remember to wash the oil off as it may worsen the cradle cap leaving oil glands on your child’s scalp. Try a small amount on your baby’s scalp first to see if it causes any irritation (in case of any allergy to certain oil).

Cradle cap is harmless and will eventually go away on its own between 6 and 12 months of age. If the condition persists or lasts over 12 months, please consult your doctor immediately. Baby may need medicated shampoo, antibiotic if infection sets in or revisit of other possible diagnosis. Good luck!