Cradle cap
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap (pronunciation: /ˈkreɪdəl kæp/), also known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is a common, harmless skin condition that affects infants. It is characterized by greasy, yellowish scales or crusts on the scalp.
Etymology
The term "cradle cap" is derived from the visual similarity of the condition to a cap worn in a cradle. The medical term, "seborrheic dermatitis", comes from the Greek words "seborrhea" meaning "flow of oil" and "dermatitis" meaning "inflammation of the skin".
Symptoms
Cradle cap typically appears within the first few weeks of life. The most common symptoms include:
- Yellow or brown scales on the scalp
- Mild redness
- Greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales
Causes
The exact cause of cradle cap is not known. However, it is believed to be caused by the overproduction of skin oils and irritation from a yeast called Malassezia.
Treatment
While cradle cap usually clears up on its own within a few months, some treatments can help speed up the process. These include:
- Gentle brushing of the baby's scalp
- Washing with a mild baby shampoo
- Applying baby oil or petroleum jelly
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cradle cap
- Wikipedia's article - Cradle cap
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