Cradle cap: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Baby_With_Cradle_Cap.jpg|thumb|Baby_With_Cradle_Cap.jpg]] '''Cradle cap''' is a common [[seborrheic dermatitis]] condition that affects infants. It is characterized by the presence of greasy, yellowish, scaly patches on the scalp. Although it can be alarming to parents, cradle cap is generally harmless and usually resolves on its own within a few months. | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Cradle cap | |||
| image = [[File:Baby_With_Cradle_Cap.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Infant with cradle cap | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| synonyms = Infantile seborrheic dermatitis, crusta lactea | |||
| symptoms = [[Scaly]] patches on the [[scalp]] | |||
| complications = [[Infection]] if scratched | |||
| onset = [[Infancy]] | |||
| duration = Weeks to months | |||
| causes = [[Overactive sebaceous glands]], [[Malassezia]] yeast | |||
| risks = [[Family history]] of [[allergies]] or [[asthma]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]] | |||
| differential = [[Atopic dermatitis]], [[Psoriasis]], [[Tinea capitis]] | |||
| prevention = None | |||
| treatment = [[Emollients]], [[mild shampoo]], [[antifungal cream]] | |||
| medication = [[Topical corticosteroids]] | |||
| frequency = Common in infants | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Baby_With_Cradle_Cap.jpg|left|thumb|Baby_With_Cradle_Cap.jpg]] '''Cradle cap''' is a common [[seborrheic dermatitis]] condition that affects infants. It is characterized by the presence of greasy, yellowish, scaly patches on the scalp. Although it can be alarming to parents, cradle cap is generally harmless and usually resolves on its own within a few months. | |||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The primary symptom of cradle cap is the appearance of thick, crusty, yellow or brown scales on the baby's scalp. These scales can sometimes spread to other areas, such as the [[face]], [[ears]], [[neck]], and [[diaper area]]. The affected skin may appear red and inflamed, but it is typically not itchy or uncomfortable for the infant. | The primary symptom of cradle cap is the appearance of thick, crusty, yellow or brown scales on the baby's scalp. These scales can sometimes spread to other areas, such as the [[face]], [[ears]], [[neck]], and [[diaper area]]. The affected skin may appear red and inflamed, but it is typically not itchy or uncomfortable for the infant. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
The exact cause of cradle cap is not well understood. However, it is believed to be related to overactive [[sebaceous glands]] in the skin, which produce excess [[sebum]]. This excess sebum can trap dead skin cells, leading to the formation of scales. Factors such as [[hormones]] passed from the mother to the baby during pregnancy and the presence of certain [[yeasts]] on the skin may also contribute to the development of cradle cap. | The exact cause of cradle cap is not well understood. However, it is believed to be related to overactive [[sebaceous glands]] in the skin, which produce excess [[sebum]]. This excess sebum can trap dead skin cells, leading to the formation of scales. Factors such as [[hormones]] passed from the mother to the baby during pregnancy and the presence of certain [[yeasts]] on the skin may also contribute to the development of cradle cap. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Cradle cap is usually diagnosed based on its characteristic appearance. A [[pediatrician]] or [[dermatologist]] can typically identify the condition through a physical examination. In most cases, no additional tests are necessary. | Cradle cap is usually diagnosed based on its characteristic appearance. A [[pediatrician]] or [[dermatologist]] can typically identify the condition through a physical examination. In most cases, no additional tests are necessary. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for cradle cap is often not required, as the condition usually resolves on its own. However, there are several methods that can help to manage and reduce the symptoms: | Treatment for cradle cap is often not required, as the condition usually resolves on its own. However, there are several methods that can help to manage and reduce the symptoms: | ||
| Line 15: | Line 31: | ||
* Using a soft brush to loosen and remove the scales after shampooing. | * Using a soft brush to loosen and remove the scales after shampooing. | ||
* Applying a small amount of [[mineral oil]] or [[petroleum jelly]] to the affected areas to soften the scales before washing. | * Applying a small amount of [[mineral oil]] or [[petroleum jelly]] to the affected areas to soften the scales before washing. | ||
In more severe cases, a doctor may recommend the use of medicated shampoos or topical treatments containing [[antifungal]] or [[anti-inflammatory]] agents. | In more severe cases, a doctor may recommend the use of medicated shampoos or topical treatments containing [[antifungal]] or [[anti-inflammatory]] agents. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
There is no guaranteed way to prevent cradle cap, but maintaining good scalp hygiene can help to reduce the likelihood of its occurrence. Regularly washing the baby's scalp with a gentle shampoo and brushing the hair can help to prevent the buildup of scales. | There is no guaranteed way to prevent cradle cap, but maintaining good scalp hygiene can help to reduce the likelihood of its occurrence. Regularly washing the baby's scalp with a gentle shampoo and brushing the hair can help to prevent the buildup of scales. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
Cradle cap is a benign condition that typically resolves on its own within a few months. It does not cause any long-term health problems and is not associated with any serious complications. Most infants outgrow cradle cap by the time they are one year old. | Cradle cap is a benign condition that typically resolves on its own within a few months. It does not cause any long-term health problems and is not associated with any serious complications. Most infants outgrow cradle cap by the time they are one year old. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Seborrheic dermatitis]] | * [[Seborrheic dermatitis]] | ||
| Line 29: | Line 41: | ||
* [[Psoriasis]] | * [[Psoriasis]] | ||
* [[Infant care]] | * [[Infant care]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
[[Category:Infant health]] | [[Category:Infant health]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Skin conditions in infants]] | [[Category:Skin conditions in infants]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 13:34, 5 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Cradle cap | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Infantile seborrheic dermatitis, crusta lactea |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Scaly patches on the scalp |
| Complications | Infection if scratched |
| Onset | Infancy |
| Duration | Weeks to months |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Overactive sebaceous glands, Malassezia yeast |
| Risks | Family history of allergies or asthma |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis |
| Differential diagnosis | Atopic dermatitis, Psoriasis, Tinea capitis |
| Prevention | None |
| Treatment | Emollients, mild shampoo, antifungal cream |
| Medication | Topical corticosteroids |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common in infants |
| Deaths | N/A |
Cradle cap is a common seborrheic dermatitis condition that affects infants. It is characterized by the presence of greasy, yellowish, scaly patches on the scalp. Although it can be alarming to parents, cradle cap is generally harmless and usually resolves on its own within a few months.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of cradle cap is the appearance of thick, crusty, yellow or brown scales on the baby's scalp. These scales can sometimes spread to other areas, such as the face, ears, neck, and diaper area. The affected skin may appear red and inflamed, but it is typically not itchy or uncomfortable for the infant.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of cradle cap is not well understood. However, it is believed to be related to overactive sebaceous glands in the skin, which produce excess sebum. This excess sebum can trap dead skin cells, leading to the formation of scales. Factors such as hormones passed from the mother to the baby during pregnancy and the presence of certain yeasts on the skin may also contribute to the development of cradle cap.
Diagnosis[edit]
Cradle cap is usually diagnosed based on its characteristic appearance. A pediatrician or dermatologist can typically identify the condition through a physical examination. In most cases, no additional tests are necessary.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for cradle cap is often not required, as the condition usually resolves on its own. However, there are several methods that can help to manage and reduce the symptoms:
- Gently washing the baby's scalp with a mild baby shampoo.
- Using a soft brush to loosen and remove the scales after shampooing.
- Applying a small amount of mineral oil or petroleum jelly to the affected areas to soften the scales before washing.
In more severe cases, a doctor may recommend the use of medicated shampoos or topical treatments containing antifungal or anti-inflammatory agents.
Prevention[edit]
There is no guaranteed way to prevent cradle cap, but maintaining good scalp hygiene can help to reduce the likelihood of its occurrence. Regularly washing the baby's scalp with a gentle shampoo and brushing the hair can help to prevent the buildup of scales.
Prognosis[edit]
Cradle cap is a benign condition that typically resolves on its own within a few months. It does not cause any long-term health problems and is not associated with any serious complications. Most infants outgrow cradle cap by the time they are one year old.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
<references group="" responsive="1"></references>
External links[edit]
