KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Cradle cap is also known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis.
  • It causes greasy or flaky scales on a baby’s scalp.
  • It’s not painful, itchy, or contagious.
  • Most cases resolve on their own within weeks or months.
  • Cradle cap can also appear in adults, especially on oily areas of the skin.
Cradle cap on head's baby.

Noticing flaky, greasy patches on your baby’s scalp can be alarming but you’re not alone, and it’s more common than you think. Cradle cap is one of the most frequent skin conditions in infants, often showing up in the first few weeks of life. It might look a bit rough, but it doesn’t hurt your baby, it’s not itchy, and it doesn’t mean anything is wrong.

The good news? Cradle cap usually clears up on its own. Cradle cap is a common skin condition in babies that causes flaky or greasy patches on the scalp. While it can look concerning to new parents, it doesn’t hurt or bother the baby. It often clears up on its own and doesn’t affect sleep, feeding, or development.

This article looks at what causes cradle cap, how to treat it gently at home, and why it can sometimes show up in adults. 

What Is a Cradle Cap?

Cradle cap is the name for the yellow or white scaly patches that appear on a baby’s scalp. The skin may look oily or flaky, and some redness might show up around the edges. These patches don’t itch or cause pain, and most babies don’t even notice them.

Cradle cap is a form of seborrheic dermatitis, which is a skin condition that can affect people at any age. In infants, it usually shows up in the first few months of life.

Symptoms of Cradle Cap

Cradle cap has a few clear signs:

  • Scaly patches on the scalp that are yellow, white, or light brown
  • Greasy or waxy skin in affected areas
  • Flakes that fall off on their own
  • In some cases, a mild red rash around the scales

While the scalp is the most common area, similar patches may also appear:

  • On the forehead or eyebrows
  • Behind the ears
  • In the skin folds of the neck or underarms
  • In the diaper area

Why Do Babies Get Cradle Cap?

Doctors aren’t completely sure why babies get cradle cap. However, they believe it may be caused by a mix of things:

  • Overactive oil glands: Babies may produce more oil because of hormones passed from their mother before birth. This oil traps dead skin and creates flakes.
  • Yeast on the skin: A natural yeast called Malassezia may grow too quickly on the oily skin and trigger mild inflammation.

These causes are not related to poor hygiene or anything parents have done wrong. Many babies get cradle cap, and it usually goes away by the time they turn one.

SUMMARY

Babies get cradle cap because their skin makes a lot of oil, which can make old skin stick and form flakes. There’s also something tiny called yeast that lives on our skin, and sometimes it grows too much and makes the skin a little bumpy. Doctors aren’t exactly sure why this happens, but it’s common, not caused by anything bad, and usually goes away on its own.

How Long Does Cradle Cap Last?

Cradle cap often starts in the first few weeks or months after birth. Most cases clear up on their own within a few weeks to a few months. In some babies, it may last longer and it's up to their first or second birthday.

If the condition sticks around longer than expected, or spreads to other areas, it’s a good idea to check with your child’s doctor. In rare cases, what looks like cradle cap might actually be another skin issue.

At-Home Treatments for Cradle Cap

Most of the time, the cradle cap doesn’t need any special treatment. But if you’d like to help the flakes come off more quickly, there are safe and gentle steps you can try.

Gentle care options include:

  • Soft brushing: Use your fingers or a baby brush to loosen scales during bath time.
  • Mild baby shampoo: Wash your baby’s scalp 2 to 3 times per week using a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo.
  • Natural oils: You can apply a small amount of coconut oil, baby oil, or mineral oil to the scalp. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently brush and shampoo as usual.
  • Doctor-prescribed treatments: If needed, your pediatrician may suggest a mild antifungal cream or medicated shampoo.

Avoid harsh scrubbing or adult shampoos. These may irritate your baby’s skin and make the condition worse.

Can Nutrition Help With Cradle Cap?

While cradle cap isn’t caused by diet, healthy nutrition can help support your baby’s skin. If you're breastfeeding, your own nutrient intake can also play a role.

Several nutrients are linked to healthy skin and reduced inflammation:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish and certain seeds, omega-3s may reduce inflammation. A study found that infants with higher omega-3 exposure from breast milk had better skin hydration and fewer inflammatory skin issues.
  • Zinc: This mineral helps the skin repair itself and supports the immune system. A study showed that zinc deficiency in infants can lead to delayed wound healing and skin rashes.
  • Vitamin B (especially B6 and B12): These vitamins are important for cell repair and may help reduce skin flare-ups.
  • Biotin: The most common sign of biotin deficiency often shows up as cradle cap in adults. In adults, biotin deficiency can appear as seborrheic dermatitis which is a similar skin condition that may develop on various areas of the body.

If your baby is formula-fed, these nutrients are usually already included in standard infant formulas.

Cradle Cap in Adults

Cradle cap can also appear later in life. When it shows up in adults, it’s still a form of seborrheic dermatitis and often affects oily areas of the skin.

Symptoms of Cradle Cap in Adults

  • Flaky white or yellow patches on the scalp, eyebrows, or face
  • Greasy or red skin
  • Itching or mild irritation
  • Hair thinning in some areas

Adult cradle cap is often worse in cold or dry weather and may get triggered by stress or alcohol use.

What Causes It in Adults?

The causes are similar to those in babies:

  • Overproduction of skin oil
  • Overgrowth of Malassezia yeast
  • Sensitivity to environmental triggers

Some adults may be more likely to develop cradle cap if they have other skin problems like acne, or certain medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease or a weakened immune system.

Final Thoughts

Cradle cap is a harmless and temporary skin condition that commonly affects babies within their first year. It appears as greasy, yellow or white flakes on the scalp and sometimes in other areas like the eyebrows or diaper region. While it may look concerning, it doesn’t cause pain, itching, or discomfort, and most cases clear up on their own within a few weeks or months. Cradle cap is not contagious and isn’t caused by poor hygiene. It’s likely due to a mix of excess oil from the baby’s glands and the natural presence of Malassezia, a yeast found on the skin.

Though mostly seen in infants, cradle caps can also affect adults. Cradle cap in adults tends to appear on oily areas of the skin, such as the scalp, face, or upper chest, and can be triggered by stress, weather changes, or underlying medical conditions. Nutrition may also support skin health. Whether in babies or adults, cradle cap usually nothing to worry about when managed with the right information and care.