Cradle cap, known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis in medical circles, is a condition wherein the scalp of babies are covered in scaly patches. This is not sorely serious but it can result in yellowish or whitish scales in your child.

Infantile seborrheic dermatitis, commonly called cradle cap, causes scaly patches on a baby’s scalp. Similar scales may also be present on the ears, eyelids, nose and groin.Though cradle cap isn’t serious, it can cause thick crusting and white or yellow scales. Usually, it settles onits own but to help ease your infant’s situation you can use a medicated shampoo.

As bad as it may look, cradle cap doesn’t cause itchyness in your infant. It also is not contagious. Exact causes are not yet known as of this point but it is suggested that it may be influenced by hormones from the mother which cause an abnormal production of oil glands and hair follicles. Another possible reason may be a yeast called malassezia which grows in oil glands along with bacteria.

Here are some over-the-counter treatments you can do for infant care according to the Mayo Clinic:

- Gently rub your baby’s scalp with your fingers or rough washcloth to loosen the scales.
-  Wash your baby’s hair once a day with mild baby shampoo. Loosen the scales with a small, soft-bristled brush before rinsing off the shampoo.
- If the scales don’t loosen easily, rub petrolatum jelly or a few drops of mineral oil onto your baby’s scalp. Let it soak into the scales for a few minutes, and then brush and shampoo your baby’s hair as usual. If you leave the oil in your baby’s hair, the scales may accumulate and worsen the cradle cap.
- Once the scales are gone, wash your baby’s hair every few days with a mild shampoo to prevent scale buildup