What is the description of cradle cap, also known as seborrhoeic dermatitis?

From the Guidelines

Cradle cap, also known as seborrhoeic dermatitis, is a common, harmless skin condition in infants characterized by yellowish, greasy, scaly patches on the scalp. To describe cradle cap, it is essential to describe its typical appearance and characteristics.

• The condition typically appears within the first few months of life and usually resolves on its own by the baby's first birthday.
• It is characterized by yellowish, greasy, scaly patches on the scalp.
• The exact cause of cradle cap is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to the oil-producing glands in the baby's skin being overactive due to maternal hormones still circulating in the baby's bloodstream after birth, causing excess oil production that traps dead skin cells on the scalp instead of allowing them to naturally shed 1. However, the provided evidence does not directly discuss cradle cap, but rather atopic dermatitis, and therefore, the description of cradle cap is based on general medical knowledge.
• The condition can be treated by gently massaging baby oil, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly into the affected areas to soften the scales, then washing with a mild baby shampoo after letting it sit for a few minutes.
• A soft brush or cloth can be used to gently remove loosened scales.
• For persistent cases, washing the baby's hair daily with a mild baby shampoo and brushing with a soft brush may be helpful.
• If the condition doesn't improve or spreads to other areas, a pediatrician might recommend a medicated shampoo containing 2% ketoconazole or a mild hydrocortisone cream.

From the Research

Description of Cradle Cap

• Cradle cap, also known as seborrhoeic dermatitis, is a chronic, inflammatory, scaling skin condition that causes redness and a greasy scaling rash in infants and young children 2.
• It is characterized by yellowish, scaly patches on the scalp 3.
• Cradle cap is a benign and self-limiting variant of seborrheic dermatitis that can be distressing for parents 2, 4.
• The condition can last from weeks to months, but rarely years 2.

Clinical Presentation

• In infants, cradle cap mainly occurs on the scalp as yellowish, scaly patches 3.
• The condition can cause redness and a greasy scaling rash 2.
• Cradle cap can be differentiated from atopic dermatitis and diaper rash, although interferences can be possible 5.

Pathogenesis and Etiology

• The pathogenesis and etiology of infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis are still debated, although recent results assign the dominant role to Candida albicans 5.
• Malassezia furfur and Staphylococcus aureus have also been detected in patients with cradle cap 4.