Children's hair and scalp: from cradle cap to school-gate lice

Babies

The NHS says you don't need to bath a baby every day, and you can wash a baby's hair with plain water, or add a liquid cleanser that's suitable for babies.

Cradle cap

Cradle cap — patches of greasy, white or yellow scales on a baby's scalp — is common and harmless, isn't itchy or painful, and can't be caught from other babies. It usually clears by itself within a few months. NHS tips:

• Gently massage an emollient (moisturiser) or coconut oil onto the scalp to loosen scales, then brush softly and wash with baby shampoo.
• Don't use olive oil (it may not be suitable for skin) or peanut oil (allergy risk).
• Don't use soap, adult shampoos or perfumed products, and don't pick the crusts — that can lead to infection.
• If some hair comes away with the scales, it will grow back.

Adult anti-dandruff treatments aren't suitable for babies — ask a pharmacist for baby-safe products.

Everyday care for children

There's very little official guidance on how often to wash older children's hair or which products to use, so go by what keeps their scalp comfortable and hair clean. Some practical, low-risk tips:

• Detangle gently. Use conditioner or a detangling spray and start from the ends with a wide-tooth comb or flexible brush, holding the hair above the knot.
• Keep styles loose. The British Association of Dermatologists warns that traction alopecia — thinning from constant pulling — is seen in children who regularly wear tight braids. If a style makes the scalp sore, it's too tight. See traction alopecia.
• Choose fragrance-free products if your child has sensitive skin or eczema.
• Check pack age limits. For example, the NHS says ketoconazole shampoo is for adults and children aged 12 and over. Medicated products and hair-loss treatments such as minoxidil aren't for children unless a doctor advises.

Head lice

Head lice are very common in primary-school children and have nothing to do with cleanliness. NICE suggests checking school-age children regularly (for example weekly) with a detection comb. If you find a live louse, treat everyone affected on the same day with wet combing or a pharmacy lotion or spray — and there's no need to keep children off school. Full method: head lice and nits.

Scalp ringworm

Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) is a fungal infection, not a worm. It's most common in young children and can cause itchy, scaly patches, sometimes with broken hairs and patchy hair loss — it can look like dandruff or eczema. Unlike ringworm on the body, scalp ringworm needs a GP: it's usually treated with prescription antifungal medicine plus an antifungal shampoo. The NHS says children can go to school once treatment has started; let the school know, don't share combs, towels or hats, and take pets to the vet if they have patches of missing fur.

Other things to get checked

• Patchy hair loss in a child — NICE says GPs should refer children with alopecia areata to a specialist.
• Scaly, itchy patches that don't settle — psoriasis can affect children's scalps and may look like eczema.