A 3-month-old infant presents with thick, greasy, yellowish scales on the scalp, commonly known as 'cradle cap.' The most appropriate initial management strategy would involve:

Explanation

Cradle cap is a benign and self-limiting form of infantile seborrheic dermatitis. The most appropriate initial management involves gentle measures. Softening the scales with emollients like mineral oil, baby oil, or petroleum jelly for 15-30 minutes, followed by gentle removal with a soft brush or comb, and then regular shampooing with a mild baby shampoo, is the standard first-line approach. Oral antifungal medications are rarely needed. Vigorous scrubbing can irritate the scalp and worsen the condition. High-potency topical corticosteroids are generally avoided in infants due to the risk of systemic absorption and skin atrophy.