Cradle cap is a specific form of a larger condition called seborrheic dermatitis. It commonly appears temporarily on the scalps of newborns, infants and children up to the age of 3. When adults get seborrheic dermatitis, they frequently receive lotions or creams that contain a medication called salicylic acid. However, treatment for cradle cap more typically involves a number of nonmedical home care options.
Cradle Cap Basics
Cradle cap is not contagious and does not stem from allergic reactions or poor hygiene, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus. If your child has the condition, he will typically develop brown or yellow skin scales on his scalp that have a thickened, crusty consistency. In some cases, children with cradle cap also develop similar symptoms around their noses, in their groins or on their ears or eyelids. Depending on your child's particular circumstances, the condition may trigger itching or appear without itching. If itching occurs, your child may develop scalp inflammation if he scratches his affected skin, or bleeding or infection if he breaks the skin's surface.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a topical medication that achieves its effects by promoting the loosening and softening of scaly or thickened skin, Medline Plus reports. In addition to seborrheic dermatitis, it is commonly used as a treatment for skin conditions that include acne and acne blemishes, calluses, warts, dandruff, corns, psoriasis and genetic skin disorders called ichthyoses. Commonly available forms of the medication include prescription and nonprescription pads, wipes, ointments, creams, liquids, lotions, gels and patches.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment
Unlike children with cradle cap, adults with seborrheic dermatitis typically have a chronic condition that requires continual or intermittent lifelong treatment, Medline Plus explains. If you are an adult with seborrheic dermatitis on your scalp, you can frequently control it with nonprescription or medicated shampoos that contain salicylic acid as an active ingredient. Additional common active ingredients of these shampoos include zinc, coal tar, resorcinol, selenium and ketoconazole. In some cases, you may also receive prescription treatments that contain medications called corticosteroids.
Cradle Cap Treatment
In most cases, cradle cap disappears without any medication in a matter of months, according to the Mayo Clinic. While you wait for the condition to fade, you can clean your child's scalp daily with a mild, age-appropriate shampoo. During any given shampoo session, you can also loosen and remove any crusty skin with the gentle use of a soft-bristled brush. In some cases, the scales on your child's scalp may not loosen easily. If this occurs, you can apply olive oil or mineral oil to the affected skin, let it soak in for a few minutes, then continue brushing. Be aware that leaving oil on your child's scalp may promote the formation of additional scaling.
Considerations
Contact your child's doctor if you have concerns, or if your child scratches his affected skin or shows signs of significant discomfort. If your child has persistent or severe cradle cap, his doctor may recommend the use of an antifungal lotion or shampoo, the Mayo Clinic notes. When applying oil to your child's scalp, use a warm, moist cloth.
