Cradle capor pityriasis capitis, is a subset of infantile seborrheic dermatitis (ISD). It is a very common, mostly self-limiting, chronic non-inflammatory scaling skin condition that presents between the third week and first couple months of life. It is most frequently reported in the first three months of life. 

Skin manifestations include – erythematous plaques with greasy-appearing yellowish scale. It can be found in areas dense in sebaceous gland activity, such as the scalp, T line of the face and external ears; the most frequent site is the crown of the head. 

If the condition persists after 12 months of age, alternative diagnoses should be further investigated. Bacterial co-infection could be a possible, but rarely seen complication of cradle cap –usually precipitated on repeated scratching of the affected skin. Parents should be educated properly about the chronicity and the benign nature of this condition, as well the management strategies.

Source: In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL); 2021 Jan.