Health Tip: Treating Cradle Cap

Scaliness and redness on a baby's scalp

July 21, 2010 RSS Feed Print

(HealthDay News) -- Red, scaly skin on a new baby's scalp could be seborrheic dermatitis, also called cradle cap.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests how to help clear baby's flaky scalp:

Wash baby's hair with a mild shampoo, and gently scrub the scalp.
If your pediatrician says it's OK, use a medicated shampoo.
Use a soft brush to gently brush baby's hair and remove scales from the scalp.
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the head. Avoid baby oil, which isn't effective for this purpose.
Use 1 percent hydrocortisone cream on baby's scalp, if your pediatrician recommends it.
Shampoo regularly to help prevent cradle cap from coming back.