Cradle Cap  A parent's guide for infants and babies

Cradle cap is the common name for seborrheic dermatitis affecting the scalp of newborns. It is a very common skin disorder affecting the oil-rich parts of the skin, including the face, ears, and scalp, and it is often seen in babies up to 3 months of age. The skin becomes flaky and inflamed, and a yellowish scale can accumulate. If the scale is picked off, the skin underneath will look pink or red. Cradle cap itself is not serious, but the affected areas can become infected if not treated properly. The cause of cradle cap is related to overgrowth of normal skin yeast including Pityrosporum and Candida.