Cradle cap Flashcards
What is cradle cap?
A type of seborrhoeic dermatitis, this is characterised by well defined patches of erythema associated with flaking of the skin; scales may be white or yellow, oily or dry.
What are some common symptoms of cradle cap?
Patches of thick greasy scales and yellow crusts.
Flaky red skin
Can also appear on other parts of body, eyebrows, nose, and nappy area.
Not painful or itchy so shouldn’t cause irritability or upset.
What causes cradle cap?
Hyperactivity of sebaceous glands responsive to residual circulating maternal hormones shortly after birth
What is some lifestyle advice for cradle cap?
Wash baby’s hair with baby/cradle cap shampoos
Gently loosen flakes with soft brush.
Gently rub baby/coconut/sunseed (not olive) oil and massage to soften crusts.
Avoid picking scales as can leave sore patches and lead to infection.
Use oil or vaseline overnight and wash off with baby shampoo in the morning.
When does cradle cap require referral?
If cradle cap spreads to other parts of the body
If patches on baby’s head start to look red or swollen (infection/eczema)
When is cradle cap most common?
It occurs between the 3rd and 8th week and usually resolves by 6-12 months.
