A seborrheic crusting over the scalp of a newborn is known as:-

Appeared in: AIIMS Manglagiri NO - 2019

Explanation

Cradle cap is the common term for infantile seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that causes crusty or oily scaly patches on a baby's scalp.
The condition is not painful or itchy, but it can produce thick white or yellow scales that are not easy to remove.
It is caused by an overproduction of sebum (oil) by the sebaceous glands, possibly influenced by maternal hormones.
As described in the question, 'seborrheic crusting' is the hallmark sign of cradle cap.

Option B: A granuloma is a small, raised area of inflammation. It is not a diffuse, crusty scaling condition affecting the scalp.
Option C: Mongolian spots are flat, blue-gray birthmarks. They are related to pigmentation and are not scaly or crusty.
Option D: Salmon patches (stork bites) are common, flat, pink vascular birthmarks. They are not crusty or related to seborrhea.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Common dermatological conditions in newborns as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing role is providing reassurance and education to parents, explaining that cradle cap is a common, benign, and temporary condition that is not a sign of poor hygiene.
Nurses should instruct parents on gentle home care: daily cleansing with a mild shampoo, applying baby oil to soften crusts, and using a soft brush to remove scales. Emphasize not to pick or force the scales off, as this can cause irritation or infection.
What if? - If the patches become red, inflamed, start weeping, or spread beyond the scalp, and the infant seems distressed, it could indicate a secondary bacterial or fungal (yeast) infection. In this case, the nurse should advise the parents to seek medical evaluation, as a medicated shampoo or cream may be necessary.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the question stem to identify the key clinical signs: 'seborrheic crusting', 'scalp', and 'newborn'.
The term 'seborrheic' is a strong clue, pointing directly to a condition involving the sebaceous glands.
Evaluate each option based on these keywords.
Option A, 'Cradle cap', is the well-known common name for infantile seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.
Options B, C, and D describe completely different types of skin findings (inflammation, pigmentation, vascular marks) that do not match the 'crusting' description.
Therefore, by matching the specific description of 'seborrheic crusting' to the definitions of the options, 'Cradle cap' is the only logical answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 426-428

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 1902-1904

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