It’s not easy to make a diagnosis involving the skin without seeing it. But from what you have briefly described, it does sound like seborrhea (also known as seborrheic dermatitis).

Seborrhea usually starts by one month of age. Yellow, crusty scales and flakes appear on the areas of the body that have hair, such as the eyebrows, eyelashes and scalp. Seborrhea can have a less common appearance with small red bumps (usually smaller than acne pimples) on other areas of skin, like the neck and shoulder.

Seborrhea often affects the eyelids, especially along the edges. This then can cause an itchy, irritated condition called blepharitis. Seborrhea tends to go away by itself with time and patience. But in the meantime, there are some things you can try that won’t hurt her eyes.

Keep her eyelids clean by wiping away dirt and dead skin cells. Mix a few drops of baby shampoo (the kind that doesn’t bother the eyes) with water. Moisten a washcloth or cotton swab to gently clean the eyelids at least once a day.

You can also hold warm compresses gently over her eyes for a few minutes. Doing this three or four times a day can also help open up blocked glands. Run a clean washcloth under warm water, or put a washcloth or other soft cloth in the dryer.

If cleaning and warm compresses aren’t enough, contact her pediatrician. He or she will determine if eye ointments, eye drops, or even antibiotics taken by mouth are needed. Doctors will prescribe an antibiotic when the blepharitis is caused by a bacterial infection.

If your child has seborrhea in other areas, like on her scalp, talk to your doctor about how to better control it. Over-the counter shampoos or ointments may be enough. And they might help her eyelids too.

No one is sure what causes seborrhea. But if the condition isn’t getting better, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist (skin specialist) or ophthalmologist (eye specialist).