Young babies develop a skin condition on their scalps called "cradle cap." It looks like flakes of dry skin, although it can resemble oily, thick, brown or yellow scaling patches. This condition is harmless, usually appearing on the baby's scalp within the first three months after birth. This condition also appears on the face and neck.
Step 1
Check with your baby's pediatrician about your baby's symptoms, recommends the BabyCenter. If cradle cap is diagnosed, which is also called seborrheic dermatitis, on your baby's face and neck, the doctor will prescribe a gentle steroid cream or lotion for your baby.
Step 2
Massage the steroid cream gently into the spots of cradle cap. Make sure to massage it into your child's skin creases, if the skin condition has spread there, according to Family Doctor.
Step 3
Continue to use the steroid cream until the cradle cap resolves and goes away, notes BabyCenter. Once it has disappeared, it should not return.
Tips and Warnings
- Cradle cap is known as dandruff in adolescents and adults. It is a dry, flaky skin condition. Cradle cap on the face, neck or ears is called seborrheic dermatitis.
Things You'll Need
- Prescription or over-the-counter steroid cream
