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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
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Treating Cradle Cap in Children

Cradle cap is a crusty, scaly rash on a baby's scalp. It's common and harmless, and not a sign of allergy, infection, or hygiene problems.

Call Doctor If:

  • Your baby's cradle cap seems itchy.

1. Wash the Scalp

  • Use a gentle shampoo to wash your baby's scalp daily until the cradle cap clears up.
  • Don't use a medicated shampoo on a baby unless a pediatrician recommends it.

2. Remove Scales

  • Brushing the hair with a soft-bristled brush will help remove some of the scales.
  • Gently massaging your baby's scalp will remove scales, too.

3. Be Patient

  • Cradle cap usually goes away on its own. Most children outgrow it before age 3.

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Renee A Alli, MD on August 02, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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