From the FDA Drug Label
Seborrheic dermatitis: Ketoconazole Cream 2% should be applied to the affected area twice daily for four weeks or until clinical clearing. The best treatment for cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) in babies is applying Ketoconazole Cream 2% to the affected area twice daily for four weeks or until clinical clearing 1.
From the Research
The best treatment for cradle cap in babies is the application of a gel cream containing piroctone olamine, biosaccharide gum-2, stearyl glycyrrhetinate, and zinc l-pyrrolidone carboxylate, as it has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of cradle cap with minimal side effects, as demonstrated in a recent study published in 2021 2.
Key Points to Consider
- Cradle cap is a benign and self-limiting condition that can be distressing for parents, but it is generally harmless and resolves on its own by the baby's first birthday.
- Gentle washing with a mild baby shampoo and soft brushing to loosen and remove the scales is a common approach to treating cradle cap.
- The use of a gel cream containing piroctone olamine, biosaccharide gum-2, stearyl glycyrrhetinate, and zinc l-pyrrolidone carboxylate has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of cradle cap, with a significant reduction in erythema and desquamation severity observed in a study published in 2021 2.
- Other treatments, such as topical corticosteroids and medicated shampoos, may also be effective, but their use should be guided by a pediatrician due to potential side effects.
Treatment Approach
- Apply the gel cream containing piroctone olamine, biosaccharide gum-2, stearyl glycyrrhetinate, and zinc l-pyrrolidone carboxylate to the affected area twice daily for 30 days.
- Gently wash the baby's hair with a mild baby shampoo and soft brush to loosen and remove the scales.
- Rinse thoroughly and gently pat dry.
Important Considerations
- Cradle cap can be caused by overactive sebaceous glands in the baby's scalp, stimulated by maternal hormones that remain in the baby's circulation after birth.
- Consistent gentle treatment can speed up resolution and prevent buildup of scales.
- Parents should be instructed on how to apply topical treatments effectively and should be given the opportunity to discuss their anxieties, as noted in a study published in 2007 3.