Scalp Scabs, Not Sure if it is Just Cradle Cap...

by Anna
(Oakland)

Our four year old daughter has scabs on her scalp. They are relatively thick, the average size 1mm to 1cm. They fall off by themselves but rarely, and if we try to remove them ourselves it hurts her.

When they fall off they leave no signs of damage and we have not seen them grow back. She does not seem to be bothered by the scabs and she does not seem to be itching. Is this a normal condition, like cradle cap? We just thought she would be to old for that.






Baby Help Line Response:

Hi Anna!

It is completely possible that your daughter has cradle cap, especially if this is something she has had since she was a baby. If it is a new condition, I'd be a bit more reluctant to interpret the scabs as cradle cap.

Personally, I think I would take her to a doctor, just to have it sorted out.

I know from own experience that trying to have a 3 or 4 your old child accept that you or scratch away the flakes is not easy...

One tip is to take a bath with your daughter now and then and apply plenty of conditioner after washing her hair. Let it stay in the hair for a while and then comb it. The conditioner softens the cradle cap and you are likely to be able to get rid of some of it each time. (If it is cradle cap, of course.)

For some other remedies that you may want to try, click here.

I hope this helps!

/Paula