CLAIM:
Cradle cap is a common and harmless condition in babies caused by excess oil on the scalp. It usually resolves on its own and should not be rubbed or scratched; gentle care and proper hygiene are recommended.
FACT:
True. Cradle cap is a common and harmless condition in infants, though its exact cause is not fully understood and is likely linked to excess oil production in the scalp. It usually resolves on its own and does not cause pain or discomfort. However, parents should not scratch, pick, or forcefully remove the scales, or use harsh or fragranced products, as this can injure the skin and increase the risk of infection. A doctor should be consulted if cradle cap persists for several weeks, spreads widely, or shows signs such as redness, swelling, bleeding, or fluid leakage.
In a viral reel posted by Dr Shafali Dadhich Tungaria, a gynaecologist with over 1.2 million followers on Instagram, she addresses a common concern among parents about flaky, crusty patches on a baby’s scalp, often referred to as cradle cap. In the reel, she explains that many families rely on traditional remedies and home advice to remove these flakes, but such practices can be harmful.
She describes how parents are often told to use household items and physical force to clear the scalp. “My aunty says that you should rub the papdi on your head, apply oil and water on it and remove it, or rub it with a comb. My aunt says that you should apply curd on your head and leave it for half an hour, and then remove it. My aunt says that you should soak papad in water, apply the water on it, and remove all the papdi,” she and two other women say, reflecting the common suggestions people often receive.
Dr Tungaria cautions against these methods, emphasising that rubbing, combing, or applying substances like curd, papad, or excessive oil can damage the baby’s delicate scalp. She explains that cradle cap, medically known as seborrheic dermatitis, occurs because a baby’s sebaceous glands produce more oil under the influence of maternal hormones. This excess oil causes flakes to form when dirt and dead skin stick to the scalp.
She reassures parents that cradle cap is not painful or dangerous. “It does not irritate the child at all. It does not cause itching. It does not have any kind of pain,” she says.
However, she warns against scratching or forcefully removing the flakes. “Do not scratch it in any way. Otherwise, there will be wounds on the child's head. There will be bleeding. There will be burning on the child's head.”
Instead, she recommends gentle care and medical guidance if needed. According to her, doctors may suggest using a mild shampoo regularly, avoiding excessive oil application, and keeping the scalp clean and dry. She also advises parents not to keep a cap (topi) on the baby’s head for too long. She adds that cradle cap usually resolves on its own over time and is not a serious condition.
The reel has gained over 2.9 million views, 43.8k likes, and 17.1k shares, reflecting widespread concern and confusion among parents about whether cradle cap is normal and how it should be treated.
What is a cradle cap?
Cradle cap, medically known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is a common and harmless skin condition that affects a baby’s scalp. It appears as thick, oily, scale-like patches that may be yellow, white, or off-white in colour. In some cases, it can also affect areas such as the eyebrows, eyelids, nose, and ears. Despite its appearance, cradle cap is non-inflammatory and does not usually cause pain, itching, or discomfort.
The condition typically develops within the first three months of life and is very common in early infancy. A 2003 study found that about 10.4% of boys and 9.5% of girls develop cradle cap, with nearly 70% of affected infants showing symptoms by the age of three months. The likelihood decreases as the child grows older.
Cradle cap is similar in appearance to dandruff, but the flakes are thicker and oilier, which can make them harder to remove. However, it is a temporary condition that usually resolves on its own within a few months.
What are the symptoms of cradle cap?
The main symptom of cradle cap is the appearance of greasy, scaly patches on a baby’s skin. These patches most commonly develop on the scalp but can also appear on the face, especially around the eyebrows, eyelids, nose, and ears. In some cases, cradle cap may also affect the nappy area and skin folds, where moisture tends to accumulate.
The affected areas usually show thick, crusty patches made up of white or yellow oily scales. These scales may stick to the scalp and sometimes flake off naturally. In other areas, such as the nappy region, the skin may appear dry and flaky. While the scales themselves look similar across all skin tones, the skin underneath may appear pink or red in babies with lighter skin, or lighter or darker than the surrounding skin in babies with brown or black skin.
Importantly, cradle cap does not cause itching, pain, or discomfort, and it does not usually bother the baby. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is not contagious and cannot spread from one baby to another.
How can cradle cap be removed?
Cradle cap usually clears on its own, but gentle care can help loosen and remove the scales safely. Parents can lightly massage an emollient (moisturiser) or coconut oil onto the baby’s scalp to soften the crusts. After this, the scalp can be gently brushed with a soft baby brush and washed with a mild, unperfumed baby shampoo. Regular bathing with water and a gentle moisturiser instead of soap can also help, especially if cradle cap appears on other parts of the body. If the nappy area is affected, it is important to change wet or dirty nappies promptly and apply a barrier cream to protect the skin. In some cases, a few strands of hair may come away with the scales, but this is temporary, and the hair will grow back.
However, certain practices should be avoided. Parents should not pick, scratch, or forcefully remove the crusts, as this can damage the skin and increase the risk of infection. Olive oil and peanut oil are not recommended, as they may irritate the skin or trigger allergies. Soap, adult shampoos, and fragranced products should also be avoided, as they can further irritate a baby’s sensitive skin. A pharmacist can recommend suitable emollients, gentle baby shampoos, or barrier creams if needed.
Medical advice should be sought if cradle cap does not improve after a few weeks, spreads widely across the body, or if the affected areas show signs of infection, such as bleeding, fluid leakage, swelling, or redness. These symptoms may indicate an infection or another skin condition, such as eczema, and require proper medical evaluation.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.
