this is from the babycentre website:
There are several strategies you can try to gently remove the scales:
? regularly wash your baby's hair with a baby shampoo then loosen the flakes using a soft brush
? rub mild baby oil or olive oil into your baby's scalp, leave it for a while (even overnight if you want) then brush off the flakes, and clean the remaining oil off by shampooing with mild baby shampoo (NHS Direct 2008).
In severe cases where the cradle cap has become inflamed or infected, your doctor can prescribe an antifungal cream, such as ketoconazole 2 per cent cream (CKS 2004).
It's tempting to sit and pick at the cradle cap on your child's head, but try to resist, as doing so can leave sore patches that could become infected (NHS Direct 2008).
Cradle cap will eventually go away on its own, but talk to your doctor or health visitor if the condition persists, worsens, or spreads to your child's face or neck.