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Warning-sign checks

Cradle cap: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if your baby is difficult to wake, has trouble breathing or appears severely unwell.

    These are not expected features of cradle cap and need immediate assessment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical advice if the skin becomes rapidly more red, swollen, warm or painful, or if there is pus or a bad smell.

    Your baby should also be assessed promptly if they develop a fever, feed poorly or seem generally unwell alongside worsening skin changes.

    These signs may point to an infection rather than uncomplicated cradle cap.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if:

    • You are unsure whether the rash is cradle cap
    • The scales do not improve after several weeks of gentle care
    • The rash is very itchy, sore, weeping or bleeding
    • It spreads widely across the face, body or skin folds
    • There is marked or patchy hair loss
    • The condition continues beyond the usual infant period
    • A recommended treatment causes irritation

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Cradle cap. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.