CRADLE CAP

Is your little one suffering with cradle cap?

Cradle cap is a common skin condition that affects young babies. It is commonly present in the first three months of life, and is rare after the age of one year, for instance. However, It is a form of seborrhoeic dermatitis and appears as thick, waxy, yellow crusts on the baby’s scalp.

We have put together below some more detailed information on cradle cap and how to manage it naturally.

How can we help?

Natural solutions for the scalp

Our Body Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner can all help reduce the symptoms of cradle cap.  In addition, it’s a natural formula designed to help combat irritation and sensitive scalp conditions through the potent healing properties of Manuka Oil.

Firstly, our Shampoo is the best product to use to help wash the scalp and keep the skin clear.  Importantly, it is antibacterial and will help combat any inflamed or irritated areas as well helping to remove the crust and excess oils in the scalp.

Similarly, the Conditioner – is not essential as it acts in a similar way to the shampoo, but it will help the scalp and hair.  However, it’s  a thicker creamy texture and allows you to massage into your child’s scalp to help soften any crusty patches.

Soothing itchy skin

The Body Lotion is a good cream to massage into the scalp to help reduce inflammation.  In addition, leave it on the skin to help soften any cradle cap patches.   It is antibacterial and therefore will help any irritated or itchy areas, as a result.

Massaging the scalp at night with our Body Lotion, followed by washing the hair and scalp next morning with the Shampoo/Conditioner.  In addition, gently lifting the crusts with a soft brush will help.  Above all, this will help keep the scalp moisturised and assist in reducing any irritation and redness.

Cradle cap is a common skin condition that affects young babies. However, it is commonly present in the first three months of life, and is rare after the age of one year. A form of seborrhoeic dermatitis, cradle cap appears as thick, waxy, yellow crusts on the baby's scalp and the eyebrows. If your baby has cradle cap, they may have:
  • Yellow, greasy, waxy scales or flakes on the scalp, or sometimes the eyebrows
  • Reddening of the skin, which sometimes occurs due to eczema developing underneath the cradle cap.


    • Most importantly, it's not painful nor itchy and usually clears by itself after a few months. Importantly, it is not contagious or caused by poor hygiene. Babies with cradle cap are otherwise well. However, many parents prefer to remove the crusts because they dont like how it looks.

    Although the cause is unknown, several factors may play a role in causing seborrheic dermatitis (or cradle cap in infants): abnormality of the oil glands and hair follicles, a yeast fungus with bacteria growing in the sebum, production of certain hormones, stress, change of seasons (outbreaks seem worse in winter) and fatigue. Above all, there is a known relationship with skin yeasts of Malassezia spp. This is thought to be due to a reaction to the yeast, rather than a simple infection. Overactivity in the sebaceous glands of a newborn may also be a factor.
    Cradle cap is a form of dermatitis that causes inflammation of the oil glands in the skin, which are called the sebaceous glands. In addition, this type of dermatitis is called seborrhoeic dermatitis. The sebaceous glands help ‘waterproof’ the skin by making a slightly greasy substance called sebum. Babies are born with active sebaceous glands because they have been living in their mother's womb. In addition, once a baby is about three months old, the sebaceous glands become inactive until puberty.
    Sometimes, the skin under the crusts of cradle cap can become infected. The skin becomes redder and small blisters appear, and then pop and weep. Importantly, to note this is caused by the same germs that cause impetigo (‘school sores’).

    Therefore, if an infection spreads, or your baby becomes unwell, make sure that you have your baby checked by a doctor. In additon, your baby may need antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Above all, unlike cradle cap, impetigo is highly contagious.
    Usually Cradle cap gets better on its own without treatment. However, the following steps may help it improve faster:
    • Loosen the crusts by applying a light moisturising cream or lotion to the scalp. The next morning, wash your baby's hair with a baby shampoo, gently lifting the crusts off with a soft brush (an unused soft toothbrush can be good for this) or comb. Try this each day until your baby's scalp looks clearer.
    • Use a mild anti-dandruff shampoo (only use for one to two weeks) if the other treatment is not working. Be careful, as some shampoos can be drying and can irritate a baby's skin. Take care not to get the shampoo in your baby’s eyes.

    However,cradle cap may come back, even when treated properly, because the glands can keep making too much sebum for a few months. For instance, if this happens, repeat the treatment.
    • Eczema Relief Lotion 100ml

      Eczema Relief Body Lotion

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      Shampoo for Sensitive Scalp

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    • Conditioner for Sensitive Scalp

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