Your Baby Today

Pediatrics: Lillian Beard, M.D.

My 3-month-old has flaky skin on her scalp. How should I treat it?

By Lillian Beard, M.D.

This condition is quite common in infants because their scalps are in a continuing state of exfoliation (shedding). Usually using a mild baby shampoo and massaging the scalp with a soft baby brush, then rinsing the hair and scalp well, every few days, will clear the unsightly flakes. If the flakes are yellow and waxy, your baby may have cradle cap, a form of seborrheic dermatitis, which if left untreated may cause loss of hair. If you suspect cradle cap, check with your baby's doctor who may recommend an antibacterial skin scalp cleanser to treat that benign, but annoying condition.

Lillian Beard, M.D.

Pediatrics

Lillian M. Beard, M.D, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is an associate clinical professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national television programs, discussing issues related to children's health. Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in Washington, D.C.

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The content on these pages is provided as general information only and should not be substituted for the advice of your physician.