Question

What is cradle cap (infant seborrheic dermatitis)?

Answer 1

Cradle cap (infant seborrheic dermatitis, or ISD) is a harmless skin condition that appears as yellow scaly patches surrounded by a red rash on the scalp of babies. About 7 out of 10 babies develop cradle cap between two and six weeks of birth.

Your baby is not in any danger. Cradle cap has no negative effects on your baby’s general health and doesn’t affect sleep or feeding. It usually disappears over a period of weeks or months and typically isn’t seen after 12 months of age.

Comments

Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis in infants) is a common, harmless skin condition on a baby’s scalp. Typically it looks like yellow scaly patches with a red rash. It doesn’t hurt or itch and won’t cause hair loss or scars. Cradle cap will disappear by the time the infant is 12 months old.

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Cradle cap is a very common, temporary condition that rarely causes problems beyond looking like an unpleasant or irritating skin condition. Just remember to not hesitate to contact your physician if you suspect something abnormal.