'Cradle Cap' | Baby Health Clinic

'Cradle Cap'

Seborrhoeic dermatitis in infants

How to manage infant 'Cradle Cap' seborrhoeic dermatitis?

If the scalp is affected (the most common presentation) the parents can try simple measures:

Regular washing of the scalp with a baby shampoo, followed by gentle brushing with a soft brush to loosen scales and improve the condition of the skin.
Softening the scales with baby oil first, followed by gentle brushing, then washing off with baby shampoo.
Soaking the crusts overnight with white petroleum jelly or a slightly warmed vegetable or olive oil, and shampooing in the morning.
If these methods do not achieve softening, a greasy emollient or soap substitute, such as emulsifying ointment, can be used, which helps to remove the scales more easily.

If the above simple measures are not effective:

Book an appointment with the GP or attend your Local Child Health Clinic where the Cradle Cap can be reviewed by a Prescriber Heath Visitor.
NICE advice : a topical imidazole cream (clotrimazole, econazole, or miconazole). The frequency of application and duration of treatment depends on the prescribed topical treatment:
Clotrimazole 1% cream: apply 2–3 times daily.
Econazole 1% cream: apply twice daily.
Miconazole 2% cream: apply twice daily.
Treat until symptoms resolve. If symptoms persist longer than 4 weeks with treatment, seek specialist advice

Institute for Excellence in Health and Care (NICE) 1.3.2020 Guidelines : Seborrhoeic dermatitis - infants https://cks.nice.org.uk/seborrhoeic-dermatitis.

The recommendations to use clotrimazole, econazole, or miconazole cream are based on the British National Formulary [BNF 66, 2013] and the manufacturers' Summaries of Product Characteristics [ABPI Medicines Compendium, 2012a; ABPI Medicines Compendium, 2012b; ABPI Medicines Compendium, 2013c