(HealthDay News) -- Cradle cap, medically called infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is a relatively harmless condition that leads to rough and scaly skin patches on a newborn's scalp.
The condition isn't contagious and typically goes away without treatment. The website kidsHealth.org suggests visiting a doctor if:
- You are treating cradle cap for the first time.
- Your child has the condition in places where there is no hair.
- You aren't seeing results from home treatments.
- The rash gets worse or covers large parts of the body.
- The rash is causing hair loss or becomes itchy.
- Affected skin becomes red, starts to drain fluid or feels warm, all of which could be signs of infection.
- Your child has a weakened immune system.