Cradle cap. Close-up of the ear of an eight week- old infant suffering from cradle cap (crusta lactea). Thick yellow scales are seen in patches in and around the baby's ear lobes. Cradle cap is a form of seborrhoeic dermatitis: an itchy, flaky rash of unknown cause. It is common in babies and usually harmless, unless the affected skin becomes infected. Treatment includes regular washing and applying warm olive oil or arachis oil to the scalp to loosen the scales. If the inflammation worsens or infection develops, corticosteroid drugs and antibiotics may be needed.