Cradle cap is a common, harmless skin condition that affects babies, usually in the first few months of life. It causes greasy, yellow or white scales and crusty patches on the scalp.
Symptoms
- Thick, greasy scales on the scalp
- Yellow, white, or brown crusts
- Mild redness underneath the scales
- Usually not itchy or painful
- Can sometimes appear on the eyebrows, eyelids, ears, or diaper area
Causes
The exact cause isn't fully understood, but it may be related to:
- Overactive oil (sebaceous) glands
- Natural skin yeast that lives on the skin
- Hormonal changes passed from mother to baby before birth