Seborrheic Dermatitis of the Scalp in Children from Birth to 24 Months
This protocol addresses scalp seborrheic dermatitis — commonly known as cradle cap — in children from birth up to 24 months of age. This age group requires a distinct therapeutic approach, separate from that used in older children and adults.
In infants and young children up to 24 months, the scientific evidence supporting topical treatments is limited. Available options span several therapeutic categories, but clinical data in this specific age group remains scant — making careful treatment selection and sequencing particularly important.
Initial management centres on gentle scalp care with enriched baby shampoos and vegetable oils, followed by careful mechanical scale removal. When this approach is insufficient, topical agents from antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and keratolytic categories may be considered. The full structured protocol defines the complete selection criteria and sequencing.
DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S284671
Generally, the mainstay treatments of "cradle cap" include the use of baby shampoos enriched with emollient agents (ie, shea butter, glycerin) and vegetable oils (ie, olive oil, borage oil, almond oil), followed by gentle mechanical removal of loosen scales.
In pediatric age (from birth up to 24 months), scant scientific evidence supports the effectiveness and safety of topical antifungals (1% ciclopirox shampoo, 1% KTZ cream/shampoo, 2.5% SS shampoo), anti-inflammatory (1% hydrocortisone cream/lotion) or keratolytic agents (3% salicylic acid in combination with 1.5% ciclopirox shampoo, lactamide monoethanolamine shampoo).
Similar to adult scalp SD, AIAF medical device shampoos, as confirmed by Cochrane Review and by some clinical trials, may be used.
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