Cradle cap in adults is a skin condition that causes redness, white or yellow scaly patches, and dandruff on the scalp. It sometimes also affects the face, upper chest, and back. Cradle cap gets its name because it’s more common in infants than adults, especially during the first few weeks of life. In adults, cradle cap is more commonly referred to as seborrheic dermatitis. The exact cause of cradle cap in adults is not known, but it is believed to be related to the overproduction of oil in the skin and hair follicles. It is not caused by poor hygiene and tends to be more common in males. Other possible risk factors for cradle cap in adults include obesity, stress, environmental factors such as pollution, other skin issues such as acne, use of alcohol-based skin care products, and certain medical conditions including HIV, stroke, epilepsy, or Parkinson’s disease.

Treatment for cradle cap in adults depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases can typically be managed with special soaps, dandruff shampoos, anti-fungal shampoos, tea tree oil, or prescription medications. For infants, mild cases can be treated with a mild, non-medicated baby shampoo, mineral oil, olive oil, or petrolatum jelly to loosen the flakes. Brushing the baby’s scalp with a soft brush can also help loosen flakes, but it is important to be gentle to avoid breaking the skin and causing an infection. If a non-medicated shampoo does not work, a doctor may recommend a shampoo that contains tar or a prescription shampoo such as Nizoral.