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Cradle cap

You might expect your baby's skin to be flawless, but baby rashes such as cradle cap are common.

Cradle cap appears as thick, yellow, crusty or greasy patches on a baby's scalp. Cradle cap is most common in newborns and usually clears up on its own within a few months. In the meantime, wash your baby's hair once a day with mild baby shampoo. Loosen the scales with a small, soft-bristled brush before rinsing off the shampoo. For stubborn scales, rub petrolatum or a few drops of mineral oil onto your baby's scalp, wait a few minutes and then brush and shampoo your baby's hair. If cradle cap persists, consult your baby's doctor.

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