Dear Dr. Lindeman,
My infant daughter's scalp is all flaky. Does she have dandruff?
Sounds like your daughter has "cradle cap," a flaky skin condition of an infant's scalp. Her scalp may look yellow and scaly, greasy or dry. Although cradle cap looks terrible, it is completely benign, it doesn't hurt the baby, and it is usually gone by 6 months.
Home Treatment
- One hour prior to bath time, place baby oil or olive oil on baby's scalp. This will soften up the scales. Be sure to wash all the oil off in the bath.
- If the rash becomes red and angry-looking, try placing a thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone cream (over-the-counter anti-itch/anti-rash cream) three times per day for no longer than one week.
Call during call-hour at 508-655-9699 if
- The cradle cap becomes bright red, raised, hard, or if the scales produce pus. These are signs of infection.
- The cradle cap lasts longer than two weeks despite the suggestions made above.
- You have other concerns or questions.
Lincoln Medical Building
61 Lincoln Street, Suite 210
Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 655-9699
(508) 655-2984 fax
Updated: 10/30/02
