Wendover Pharmacy Logo
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By clicking 'I Understand and Accept', you consent to our use of cookies.
I understand and accept
No, I don't want to use cookies
My Account
Control Panel
An example toast message
Do Something
Login
en
en
wendover pharmacy logo
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Pharmacy First
Pharmacy Services
Our Store
Health Advice
Order
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Do Something
Login
en
en
wendover pharmacy logo
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Pharmacy First
Pharmacy Services
Our Store
Health Advice
Order
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Cradle cap
Check if your baby has cradle cap

The main symptom of cradle cap is patches of greasy, scaly skin.

It's usually found on the scalp and face, but sometimes affects the nappy area. It can look like:

  • patches of white or yellow greasy scales on the scalp and face that form a crust which might flake off
  • small, dry flakes of skin on the nappy area

The scales look similar on all skin tones. But the skin under the scales may look pink or red if your baby has white skin, or lighter or darker than the surrounding skin if your baby has brown or black skin.

It is not itchy or painful and does not bother your baby.

The cause of cradle cap is not clear, but it cannot be caught from other babies.

Things you can do to help with cradle cap

Do

  • lightly massage an emollient (moisturiser) on to your baby's scalp to help loosen the scales

  • gently brush your baby's scalp with a soft brush and then wash it with baby shampoo

Don't

  • do not use olive oil, it may not be suitable for use on skin

  • do not use peanut oil (because of the allergy risk)

  • do not use soap or adult shampoos

  • do not pick crusts because this can increase the chance of infection

Your baby's hair may come away with the scales. Do not worry if this happens as it will soon grow back.

A pharmacist can help with cradle cap

You can ask a pharmacist about:

  • an emollient you can use on your baby's scalp
  • unperfumed baby shampoos
  • barrier creams to use on your baby's nappy area, if it's also affected

See a GP if:

  • your baby's cradle cap does not get better after a few weeks of treatment
  • your baby has cradle cap all over their body
  • the crusts bleed or leak fluid
  • the affected areas look swollen

Bleeding, leaking fluid and swelling could be signs of an infection or another condition like atopic eczema or scabies.

Last Reviewed
12 February 2024
NHS websiteNHS website
wendover pharmacy logo
At Wendover Pharmacy, we are proud to serve our community with top-notch pharmaceutical services and personalised care. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.
Company: Q2 Pharma (11218653)
Superintendent Pharmacist: Mohammad Comran
GPhC Number: 2072107
Menu
Pharmacy First
All Pharmacy First Services
Earache
Impetigo
Insect Bite
Shingles
Sinusitis
Sore Throat
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Pharmacy Services
Order Prescriptions
Our Store
Health Advice
Opening Hours
Store Hours Unavailable
No store selected for opening hours
Loading Open Hours...
Wendover Pharmacy
28 High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6EA
Wendover Pharmacy © 2024
Privacy Policy