Print DiagnosisA healthcare professional may diagnose cradle cap by looking at the baby's scalp. TreatmentCradle cap may not need medical treatment, as it often goes away if you use the home care tips below. If these home care tips don't work, talk with your baby's doctor about products that might help, such as a low-potency hydrocortisone cream or a shampoo with 2% antifungal ketoconazole medicine. Be sure the shampoo doesn't get in your baby's eyes, as it may hurt. If you want to try the type of cortisone or antifungal creams you can buy at the store without a prescription, talk with your baby's doctor or other health care professional first. Some of these products can be too strong for a baby's skin. Dandruff shampoos that contain salicylic acid aren't recommended for use in babies either because that ingredient can be absorbed through the skin. Request an appointment Lifestyle and home remediesThe following home care tips may help you control the symptoms of cradle cap: Gently rub your baby's scalp with your fingers or a washcloth to loosen the scales. Don't scratch. Wash your baby's hair once a day with baby shampoo. Loosen the scales with a small, soft-bristled brush or fine-toothed comb before rinsing off the shampoo. If the scales don't loosen easily, rub petroleum jelly or a few drops of mineral oil onto your baby's scalp. Let it soak into the scales for a few minutes, or hours if needed. Then brush and shampoo the hair as usual. Be sure to rinse well. If you leave in the oil, the cradle cap may get worse. When the scales are gone, wash your baby's hair two or three times a week with a mild shampoo to prevent scale buildup. Preparing for your appointment What you can doIf your baby's cradle cap doesn't improve with home care measures or starts to spread, make an appointment for medical care. Your baby's doctor or other health care professional will want to know: How long your baby has had cradle cap. What you've done to treat it. How often you shampoo your baby's hair. What products you've tried. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Symptoms & causes Nov. 15, 2024 Print Show references AskMayoExpert. Seborrheic dermatitis. Mayo Clinic; 2023. Patient education. Caring for your newborn. Mayo Clinic; 2019. Sasseville D. Cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis in infants. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 6, 2023. Kelly AP, et al. Pediatrics. In: Taylor and Kelly's Dermatology for Skin of Color. 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill; 2016. Related Cradle cap on Black skin Cradle cap on white skin Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Cradle capSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatment Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. NEW: Listen to Health Matters Podcast - Mayo Clinic PressNEW: Listen to Health Matters PodcastMayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20154763 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Cradle cap