Commonly known as "cradle cap," seborrheic dermatitis is a yellowish, greasy, flaky crusting seen on the scalp of babies. It is very common, not contagious, does not bother the baby, and usually appears in the first months of life and clears up on its own within a few months.

What Does It Look Like?

  • Yellow-brown, greasy, sticky crusts and scaling on the scalp
  • Similar rash on the eyebrows, behind the ears, around the sides of the nose, and sometimes in the neck and underarm folds
  • There may be mild redness on the skin; itching is usually absent

How It Differs From Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Seborrheic dermatitis is greasy, has yellow crusts, and is non-itchy; it does not make the baby restless. Atopic dermatitis, on the other hand, is itchy, develops on a dry, red base, and bothers the baby. To tell them apart, you can read our article on atopic dermatitis.

Home Care

  • Before washing, apply baby oil/olive oil to the scalp and leave it on for 15 minutes; once the crusts soften, gently brush them out with a soft brush
  • Regular washing with baby shampoo
  • Do not scrape the crusts off with your nails — this causes irritation and infection
  • In widespread or persistent cases, a special shampoo/cream is used on a doctor's recommendation

When Should You See a Doctor?

If the rash is spreading over the body, the redness is worsening, there is oozing-discharge, a bad odor or inflammation, or if the baby is itching and becoming restless, an examination is needed; a fungal infection may accompany it.

📅 Online appointment for your child: Specialist Dr. Hasan Keleş — appointment page

Related articles: Atopic dermatitis · Diaper rash in babies

This article is for general information purposes only; it does not replace diagnosis and treatment. For any concerns about your child's health, be sure to consult a pediatric health and diseases specialist.

Uzm. Dr. Hasan Keleş — Pediatric Health and Diseases Specialist, Gaziantep