Seborrheic crusts in infants, commonly known as cradle cap, appear as patchy, scaling, or crusty skin on the scalp, ears, eyebrows, and/or diaper area. It's not painful or itchy, but it can be unsightly. Cradle cap is common in newborns and infants up to 3 months old and usually clears up on its own within a few weeks to months. However, there are ways to manage it gently at home:

Gentle Cleaning

• Wash: Use a mild, tear-free shampoo to wash your baby's scalp daily. This can help loosen and remove the scales. Be gentle to avoid irritating the skin.

Softening the Crusts

• Oil Application: Before a bath, rub a small amount of baby oil, mineral oil, or coconut oil onto the affected areas to soften the crusts. Let it sit for a few minutes or up to an hour.

Removing Scales

• Soft Brush: After softening the scales with oil and washing your baby's head with shampoo, use a soft brush or cloth to gently brush or rub away the scales. Do not pick at the scales, as this can cause irritation or infection.

Moisturizing

• Apply Moisturizer: If the affected area is dry but not on the scalp, you can apply a mild baby moisturizer to keep the skin from getting too dry.

Avoid Irritants

• Mild Products: Use mild, fragrance-free products on your baby’s skin and avoid anything that could irritate it further.

When to See a Doctor
While cradle cap is generally harmless and not a sign of poor hygiene, you should consult a pediatrician if:

• The condition seems severe or widespread.
• The affected area becomes red, inflamed, or infected.
• It spreads to other parts of the body beyond the scalp, ears, eyebrows, or diaper area.
• Your baby seems uncomfortable, itchy, or in pain.
• The cradle cap persists beyond the first few months of life.

Your pediatrician may recommend a stronger medicated shampoo or cream if the cradle cap is severe or if there's a suspicion of infection or another underlying condition.

Other Considerations
Remember, cradle cap is common and typically resolves on its own. The key is gentle care and not to overdo treatments, which can aggravate sensitive skin. In most cases, simple home care measures are all that's needed to manage this condition.