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Este artículo es solo informativo y no reemplaza la consulta médica. Si tienes dudas, contacta a tu pediatra o matrona.

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Cradle Cap

Cradle cap shows as yellowish, greasy scales on the scalp. It looks worse than it is — it doesn't itch and doesn't bother your baby.

Posibles Causas

  • 1Overproduction of sebaceous glands (from maternal hormones)
  • 2Malassezia yeast (natural skin organism)
  • 3NO connection to milk or hygiene — the name is misleading

Qué Puedes Hacer

  • Apply baby oil (almond or olive oil) on scales, let it soak
  • After 15-30 min gently brush off with soft baby brush
  • Use mild baby shampoo
  • DON'T scratch or pick — risk of injury
  • In most cases: Wait, it clears on its own

¿Cuándo Consultar al Médico?

  • Scales are very red or inflamed
  • Scales spread to face, neck, or body
  • Strong itching (baby scratches, is restless)
  • Weeping or pustular areas (bacterial infection)

Notas Según la Edad

Often starts in the first weeks and usually clears by 6-12 months on its own. In some babies, it persists until age 2. True eczema (milk crust in the narrow sense) itches and is inflamed — that's different from harmless cradle cap.

Preguntas Frecuentes

Is cradle cap contagious?
No, cradle cap is not contagious. It's caused by natural sebum production and has nothing to do with poor hygiene.
Do I need to treat cradle cap?
No, medically no treatment is necessary. If it bothers you visually, you can loosen scales with oil. But never scratch them off — that can injure the skin.

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Este artículo es solo informativo. No reemplaza el asesoramiento médico individual. Si tienes preocupaciones, contacta a tu pediatra, matrona o llama a urgencias.