Dry Scalp Or Cradle Cap: What's The Difference?

Both conditions are common in infants, but how can you tell the difference? And more importantly, how should you care for your baby’s scalp to prevent or treat cradle cap or dry scalp? Let’s explore the differences between the two and the best ways to care for your baby’s sensitive skin.

Dry Scalp:

• Appearance: Dry scalp typically presents as fine, white flakes of skin that are easily visible but not oily.
• Cause: It is caused by a lack of moisture in the scalp, often due to dry air, over-bathing, or using harsh shampoos.
• Treatment: Gently moisturising the scalp with a baby-safe lotion or oil and using a mild shampoo can help restore moisture.

Cradle Cap:

• Appearance: Cradle cap appears as thicker, yellowish or brownish crusts or scales that feel greasy to the touch. It may also cause redness in the affected areas.
• Cause: Cradle cap is caused by overactive sebaceous glands producing too much oil (sebum), which traps dead skin cells. Hormonal factors and a yeast imbalance may also contribute.
• Treatment: Using a gentle cradle cap shampoo and softly brushing the scalp to remove flakes can help manage the condition. Avoid picking or peeling at the crusts to prevent irritation.

While both conditions can look similar, understanding the differences will help you choose the right treatment approach for your baby. With the proper care and attention, both dry scalp and cradle cap can be managed effectively, helping your baby’s delicate skin stay healthy and comfortable.

Thankfully, the same remedies work to manage both cradle cap and dry scalp in infants. Here are seven quick and easy ways to manage these conditions.

1) Bathe Your Baby Regularly 

While poor hygiene isn’t the cause of dry scalp or cradle cap, regular baths are still essential for maintaining your baby’s skin health. Bathing helps to gently cleanse the scalp and remove any buildup of oils or flakes. If you prefer, you can bathe your baby every other day instead. As long as you’re following a good hygiene routine, like changing your baby’s nappy regularly and cleaning their skin gently, bathing three to four times per week is sufficient to keep their scalp clean and comfortable.

As an alternative, you can use a baby-friendly micellar water, such as Mustela's No-rinse baby cleansing water with avocado, to keep your baby's skin exceptionally clean on days when they don't get a bath.

2) Keep Baths Short 

Long baths can strip your baby’s skin and scalp of natural oils (sebum), making them more prone to dryness. To prevent dry scalp or cradle cap, try to keep bath time under 10 minutes at 36°C.

Even with shorter baths, your baby can still enjoy the experience! You can make bath time fun and engaging by using a gentle bubble bath like Mustela’s Multi-Sensory Bubble Bath, which keeps your baby entertained while also being kind to their delicate skin.

3) Protect Your Baby From The Elements 

As we already discussed, the weather can contribute to your baby's dry scalp in both winter and summer. Both the heat and sunburn of summer and the chilly, windy winter weather can dry up your skin. 

In winter, protect your baby’s sensitive scalp by wrapping them in warm clothing and covering their head with a soft, cosy hat. This will help shield their skin from the drying effects of the wind and cold.

In summer, keep your baby in the shade and dress them in protective gear, including an adorable sun hat. To prevent sunburn, apply a baby-safe mineral sunscreen to exposed areas, using it carefully on their face and body. These precautions will help keep your baby’s skin and scalp moisturised and healthy year-round.

4) Use Gentle Products 

Use gentle, baby-safe skin care products like Mustela to take excellent care of your baby. Mustela provides a selection of natural, hypoallergenic, paraben-, phthalate-, and phenoxyethanol-free body washes, shampoos, cleansers, and other bath products. 

Our Foam Shampoo For Newborns is especially designed to remove flakes associated with the cradle cap. How does it work? Salicylic acid and BHA in this shampoo prevent tears while gently exfoliating cradle cap particles. 

But rest assured: we’ve tested this product under paediatric and dermatological control, and it’s specially formulated to minimise the risk of allergic reactions. Plus, our 99% plant-based formula is also biodegradable to make you, your baby, and the earth happy all at the same time.

5) Apply Cradle Cap Cream

By working to both prevent and eliminate cradle cap flakes, Mustela's Cradle Cap Cream not only helps soothe your baby's scalp but also reduces the likelihood of future recurrences. This cradle cap lotion contains 95% of natural origin ingredients and is safe from birth on. 

Simply apply this scalp moisturiser once daily to the affected area. For optimal effects, gently massage it in and leave it on overnight. The next day, when you give your baby a bath, rinse it off with a baby shampoo, like our Mustela Newborn Foam shampoo.

6) Apply Baby Oil and Massage Your Baby’s Head 

A few drops of Mustela's Baby Massage Oil will keep your child's scalp hydrated and will help remove crusts of the cradle cap. 

Our baby oil is composed of 99% of natural ingredients. It offers a relaxing moment of well-being alongside hydration and soothing effects.

Not only does it create a bonding opportunity for you both, but it can also promote relaxation and better sleep patterns for your baby. Softly massaging your baby's scalp could enhance blood circulation and encourage the production of natural oils, ultimately minimising the risk of developing dry skin and flakes that are often related to baby cradle cap skin condition.

7) Gently Brush Your Baby’s Dry Scalp 

Brushing your baby's head with a soft brush will assist in removing dead skin cells from their dry scalp, much like a head massage. Younger, healthier skin cells might rise to the surface of your baby's skin as the dead skin cells fall off. 

Always use a soft-bristled baby brush. Who knows? You might even discover that your child enjoys getting their scalp brushed!

8) Head To The Doctor’s Office 

If your baby has a dry scalp or cradle cap that lasts more than a week and a lotion for cradle cap doesn't seem to help, it’s best to talk to a paediatrician. You should also head to the doctor’s office if your baby seems to be in pain. As always, check with a paediatrician before giving your child any medications.