AU & NZ - Find your nearest pharmacy here
Mustela dedicated skincare helps to manage baby and infant cradle cap, and they can be used from birth. Designed to protect delicate skin, Mustela's cradle cap baby products limit excess of sebum and prevent new patches from reappearing over time.
Cradle cap is a common, harmless skin condition that affects many newborns. It appears as yellowish, scaly patches on the scalp, usually in the first few months of life. Although it can look concerning, cradle cap is typically painless and not itchy for the baby.
The exact cause of cradle cap isn’t known, but it’s believed to be related to overactive sebaceous (oil) glands in the scalp, which may result from maternal hormones still circulating in the baby’s body. These oils cause skin cells to stick together, forming flakes or scales on the scalp.
The cradle cap often appears as yellowish or brownish scales on the baby’s scalp, sometimes with mild redness. The flakes are usually oily or waxy in texture and may cover small or large patches on the scalp. In some cases, it may also appear in other areas, like the eyebrows or behind the ears.
Cradle caps can often be treated at home with gentle, moisturising products. Apply a cradle cap cream to the affected area to soften the scales, then gently brush or wash them away with a mild baby shampoo. Avoid scrubbing too hard to protect your baby’s sensitive skin.
