Prescription medicines

Stubborn or severe cases of cradle cap will require treatment via your GP. If your baby has cradle cap which does not respond to home based remedies or over the counter products then something stronger is needed.

There are creams, lotions, antifungal shampoos and tablets which are only available on prescription.

Your GP will discuss your baby’s cradle cap with you as well as carrying out an examination. He or she will be able to prescribe a suitable treatment.

These include:

• Antibiotics: if your baby’s cradle cap is inflamed or has become infected.
• Steroid cream: an example of this is hydrocortisone which can treat any inflammation.
• Antifungal cream or shampoo: these contain selenium sulphide and ketoconozole and are used to treat moderate and severe cases of cradle cap. Antifungal shampoos are available from your local pharmacy. Antifungal topical (skin) creams and tablets are only available on prescription.

Note: shampoos which contain ketoconozole also contain potential skin irritants. Ask your pharmacist for advice about which shampoo to use.

Other forms of treatment

Another option is that of injecting biotin into either the baby or the breastfeeding mother.

Biotin is part of the Vitamin B complex group and low levels of this can cause cradle cap.

There have several studies undertaken in which cradle cap cleared quickly and fully in babies who had been injected with biotin or Vitamin B complex. These injections worked well although some doctors suggest that biotin could be taken orally.

Biotin is safe with no side effects but further studies are needed to determine the correct dose to take or the effects of biotin on a larger group of people. If you do not feel comfortable using an over the counter shampoo or prescribed medication then there is an alternative. Some people prefer to use organic or natural remedies which do not contain any chemicals and so reduce the risk of any irritation.

These herbal remedies contain camomile or tea tree oil and are effective as a means of treating cradle cap.

Visit our home based remedies section for further information.