Cradle cap is a common skin condition that affects babies, causing yellow crusts on the scalp. It usually appears in the first few months of life and is not caused by poor hygiene or bad parenting. The exact cause of cradle cap is not known, but it is likely due to a combination of factors, including overactive oil glands and hair follicles, a type of yeast found on the skin called Malassezia, and hormones from the mother that cross the placenta before birth and cause the oil glands in the skin to become overactive. Cradle cap is not contagious and is rarely itchy or uncomfortable.

Symptoms of cradle cap include greasy or dry skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales, mild inflammation, and similar scales on the ears, eyelids, nose, and groin. Cradle cap usually clears up on its own in weeks or a few months, but parents may want to remove it because of its appearance. Home care measures include washing the babys scalp daily with a mild shampoo to loosen and remove the scales, but parents should avoid scratching the affected area. If cradle cap doesnt stop or seems serious, a medicated shampoo, lotion, or other treatment may be recommended by a doctor or other healthcare professional.