“Cradle cap” (Seborrhea)
Cradle Cap Treatment at Signature Dermatology in Fort Worth
Cradle cap, also known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is a common and harmless skin condition that causes scaly, greasy patches on a baby’s scalp. While it can look concerning, cradle cap is not painful or contagious and often resolves on its own over time. At Signature Dermatology in Fort Worth, our dermatologists provide gentle, effective care to help soothe your baby’s skin and speed the healing process.
“Cradle cap,” also known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is a common condition that affects infants. It is characterized by greasy, yellow or brown scales or crusts on the scalp. It can also occur on other areas of the body, such as the face (especially around the eyebrows and behind the ears), neck, and diaper area.
What Causes It?
Cradle cap develops when excess oil production traps dead skin cells on the scalp, leading to flakes or crusts that may appear yellowish or white. It can sometimes extend to the eyebrows, behind the ears, or other areas of the body.
The exact cause of cradle cap is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from overactive sebaceous glands in the skin, which produce an excess of sebum (skin oil). This excess oil, combined with dead skin cells, can accumulate and form scales or crusts on the skin’s surface.
Our Approach and Expertise
Our dermatology team recommends gentle at-home care, such as washing the scalp with a mild baby shampoo and softly brushing away loose flakes. For more persistent cases, we may prescribe medicated shampoos, topical creams, or anti-inflammatory treatments that are safe for infants.
At Signature Dermatology, we provide personalized guidance to help parents manage cradle cap comfortably and effectively. With our expertise and compassionate care, we ensure your baby’s skin stays healthy, calm, and protected while the condition resolves naturally.
This condition is typically harmless and does not cause discomfort or itching for most infants. It usually appears within the first few months of life and tends to resolve on its own by the age of six to twelve months, although it can sometimes persist longer.
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