It is a little amazing because you have probably never heard of it, but infantile seborrhoeic eczema occurs in about one out of every five babies born today. If the infantile seborrhoeic eczema is confined to the scalp, it is most often referred to a cradle cap.

Infantile seborrhoeic eczema that is confined to the scalp is easily treatable and can be treated and cleared up with over-the-counter and natural products. Infantile seborrhoeic eczema that is confined to the scalp is often an indicator that other skin problems will develop later in life. It is important to treat cradle cap and not just hope that it goes away.


If dry scaly patches develop at sites other than the scalp, a doctor should be consulted and treatment should be started. If this does happen, the baby’s skin will require special care. Careful cleansing and moisturizing are essential.

There is no one specific cause for infantile seborrhoeic eczema that has been isolated. It can be caused by asthma, hay fever, genetics, or an allergy to something that the skin comes into contact with…or for no apparent reason at all.

Infantile seborrhoeic eczema is not contagious, and that is an important fact to know because it can look contagious. The skin can become red, dry, and itchy. In severe cases, the skin can break and even bleed.

Treating infantile seborrhoeic eczema usually consists of cleaning the affected areas frequently and applying olive oil or baby oil. If you are nursing your baby, it is possible that the baby is allergic to some of the foods that you are eating. Babies are most often allergic to such things as meat, wheat, eggs, and nuts, so you should avoid consuming these foods.