TREATMENT

Cradle cap — In infants, seborrheic dermatitis has a self-limited course and resolves spontaneously in weeks to several months. Therefore, we suggest that initial treatment should be conservative, including education and reassurance of parents, and simple skin care measures. 

Conservative measures for scalp seborrheic dermatitis may include:
-Application of an emollient (white petrolatum, vegetable oil, mineral oil, baby oil) to the scalp (overnight, if necessary) to loosen the scales, followed by removal of scales with a soft brush (eg, a soft toothbrush) or fine-tooth comb 
-Frequent shampooing with mild, non-medicated baby shampoo followed by removal of scales with a soft brush (eg, a soft toothbrush) or fine-tooth comb 

In more extensive or persistent cases, we suggest either:
-a short course of low-potency topical corticosteroids (group seven (table 1)) applied once per day for one week     OR
-ketoconazole 2% cream or shampoo twice per week for two weeks. 

Corticosteroids are preferred if there is a predominant inflammatory component; -ketoconazole 2% cream or shampoo is an alternative in diffuse cases or if the use of topical corticosteroids is a concern for the parents. 

There are no randomized trials of antifungal agents or topical corticosteroids for the treatment of cradle cap in infants.