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Overview
Common in the first months.
Not itchy for most babies.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayOozing, swelling, or fever.
See a doctor soonSpreading to the body.
Causes
Caused by seborrheic dermatitis.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause crusty, scaly patches on a baby's scalp. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Cradle capOften treated at home
Greasy, yellow, crusty, or scaly patches on a baby's scalp.
What you can do at home
- Gently rub baby oil on the scalp, then brush and wash.
- Wash with mild shampoo.
Medicines
Usually none needed.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Spread
The exam
A scalp exam.
Tests
- None
Prevention
Gentle care.
- Wash scalp regularly
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.