Olive oil treatment for cradle cap - can it worsen the condition?

Homepage

Search the NeLM

Browse by Categories:

Browse by NeLM area:

Original article by: Vanessa Chapman

Publisher: Trent Medicines Information Service

Keywords: Olive oil; Cradle cap; Malassezia furfur; Seborrhoeic dermatitis, Neonate; Infant;

Date published: 25/03/2011 16:42

Review date: 16/03/2013 15:00

Summary

by: Vanessa Chapman

Cradle cap in infants is a form of seborrhoeic dermatitis. Treatment is often unnecessary but suggested management options include the use of baby oil, baby shampoo, or vegetable oils, such as olive oil.
The cause of seborrhoeic dermatitis is unknown but Malassezia yeasts, in particular Malassezia furfur have been implicated.
Malassezia yeasts thrive in oily environments, especially vegetable oils. It has been suggested that olive oil can encourage the proliferation of Malassezia furfur and worsen the condition.
No evidence has been found that the use of olive oil for cradle cap leads to a worsening of the condition in clinical practice, and there seems no reason to change current recommendations. If the condition is not improving however, it may be preferable to use an alternative baby oil based on mineral oils.

About this library entry

NeLM area: Evidence > Medicines Q & A

Comment text:

11/07/2011 | Matthew Jones
Anecdotal, n=1 evidence I know, but my son had really bad cradle cap. Olive oil made it no better and certainly made it look worse (more yellow). It may have even been making it worse. However, it completely resolved when we started applying Oilatum Junior (essentially a mineral oil) and rubbing gently with a flannel.

You must be Logged In to comment.

Printer Friendly Version

Related evidence

13.9 Shampoos and other preparations for scalp and hair conditions

08/02/2011

08/02/2011

26/01/2010

CKS topic review: Hirsutism

Back