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Updated on August 20, 2023
Created on July 15, 2022
8 Minutes to read
Dry scalp and cradle cap are similar conditions, so it can be tough to tell them apart. At their core, both stem from your little bundle of joy having dry skin on their head. So what’s the difference between the two?
In short, dry scalp is just that: dry, flaky skin on your little one’s head. It’s essentially a case of baby dandruff. The skin may appear red or yellowish and feel scaly or rough to the touch. Dead skin may flake off of your baby’s dry scalp.
Cradle cap, on the other hand, begins with a dry scalp but has progressed slightly further. Rather than just flaky, scaly skin, cradle cap is characterized by rough, crusty bumps that protrude from your baby’s scalp. Whereas baby dry scalp will feel dry, cradle cap will actually feel oily to the touch.
Dry skin is perfectly normal for adults, toddlers, and infants alike. Sometimes, that dry skin can develop on your or your baby’s scalp.
What causes your baby’s scalp to become dry? There are several factors that may contribute to baby dry scalp, including:
A dry scalp can be caused by any combination of these factors.
You’ll be able to identify the condition by the following symptoms:
If your little one is showing these symptoms, it is very likely that they have dry scalp.
Although the precise cause of cradle cap remains unclear, it is thought to be linked to an excessive immune response within the skin, which can stimulate the overgrowth of skin cells and sebum.
This overproduction can then cause the development of crusty scales or flakes on the scalp.
Excess sebum can harden and gather into little clusters if it is released. On the other hand, if sebaceous glands clog, the sebum they release may solidify and accumulate on top of your child's pores.
Cradle cap can sometimes happen because of a type of yeast called Malassezia. Even though this yeast is usually present on everyone's skin, it can sometimes cause skin problems or infections that result in cradle cap. This is particularly true if Malassezia starts to colonise your infant's sebaceous glands.
Although we are unsure of the precise cause of cradle cap, we do know that poor cleanliness is not a factor. Cradle cap is not associated to poor cleanliness or insufficient bathing, despite what some parents may think.
Cradle cap is not contagious and is not uncomfortable for your infant. Although it may be unattractive, it won't spread, and your kid is likely not in any pain.
Symptoms of cradle cap are as follow:
Your baby most likely has cradle cap if they exhibit these signs but there are numerous quick and efficient ways to manage it.
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.
While hygiene is definitely not a cause of dry scalp or cradle cap, baths are still essential for keeping your little one’s skin healthy. Daily baths are helpful when caring for your child’s sensitive scalp area.
If you prefer, however, you can bathe your child every other day instead of every day. As long as you’re maintaining an adequate daily hygiene routine and changing your baby’s nappy the right way, three to four baths per week is sufficient.
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.
It is quite simple to use and excellent for travelling. Simply use a soft cloth, wipe, or cotton pad to apply it to your baby's skin on their face, torso, and nappy area. Then, dry them off. Rinsing is not necessary!
To protect, soften, and soothe your baby's kissable skin, our micellar water is manufactured with 98% naturally sourced ingredients. Furthermore, it cleanses your child's skin without removing any of its natural oils.
Long baths can dry up your baby's skin and scalp by removing sebum, making them more vulnerable to dehydration and dryness. Baths for babies should go no longer than 10 minutes if you want to prevent dry scalp or cradle cap.
Keep in mind that even if it's just a quick bath, your child can still have a ton of fun. You can keep kids amused and content in a bubble bath with Mustela's Multi-Sensory Bubble Bath!
Your baby's bath water temperature should be 36 degrees, which is about the same as their body temperature. It's absolutely acceptable if it's one or two degrees above or below.
Your infant will feel most comfortable in this water temperature. Additionally, it's the perfect temperature for your child's delicate skin. Use a bath thermometer to quickly and precisely determine whether the water is the ideal temperature—not too hot or too cold.
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.
Wrap your child and place a lovely hat on their head to protect their skin and scalp this winter.
Maintaining your baby in the shade, putting them in a protective gear (including a cute sun hat!), and using mineral sunscreen will help avoid sunburn. Utilize it carefully on your infant's face and body.
Even those that advertise being intended for children may contain soaps and shampoos that are too abrasive for your baby's skin. These shampoos and soaps can aggravate your baby's dry scalp even more.
Use gentle, baby-safe skin care products like Mustela to take excellent care of your tiny bundle of joy. 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 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 pediatric and dermatological control, and it’s specially formulated to minimize 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.
By working to both prevent and eliminate cradle cap flakes, Mustela's Cradle Cap Cream not only helps soothe your little one'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.
A few drops of Mustela's Baby Massage Oil can help to soften any built-up dead skin on your child's head and will keep their scalp hydrated.
Our baby oil is composed of 99% of natural ingredients. It offers a relaxing moment of well-being alongside hydration and soothing effects.
For their child's scalp, some parents favour using coconut oil or olive oil for cradle cap. These oils are natural, making them safe to use on your child even though they weren't specifically created to treat cradle cap.
(Note: avoid essential oils, which have not been verified as safe for infants.)
A few drops of Mustela's Baby Massage Oil will keep your child's scalp hydrated and will help removing crusts of cradle cap.
Aside of helping you to getting rid of cradle cap; massaging your baby's head can provide numerous benefits for both you and your little one. Not only does it create a bonding opportunity for you both, but it can also promote relaxation and better sleep patterns for your baby.
In addition, 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.
It's important to use a gentle touch and avoid any rough movements when massaging your baby's head to prevent any potential discomfort or injury to your little one.
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!
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 pediatrician. You should also head to the doctor’s office if your baby seems to be in pain. As always, check with a pediatrician before giving your child any medications.
