mumsnet type post... precocious puberty and deodorants

[drivin_me_nuts]

A question for those who have experienced this. ..

A child I know is going through this now and one of the effects is bad BO. Poor girl, she's becoming self conscious and I'd hate her to be known as the smelly kid and kids can indeed be foul to each other.

Does anyone have experience of this in terms of recommending a suitable deodorant for an 8 year old.

Cheers,

DMN

[lxm]

I think its a topic that every parent should be prepared to bring up with a child going through puberty, after all its a part of parenting? There is nothing to be shameful or worried about as it is natural and everyone goes through it. Obviously she needs to tackle the issue so there is no worry or feelings of self consciousness, if it is explained to her then I don't see why she would worry ?

I remember when I started to go through puberty, the few wiry underarm hairs appearing, starting to sweat more and the appearance of BO. My mum had a chat with me and explained the situation and reaffirmed the importance of hygiene especially now as we become adults. The once or twice weekly bath was no longer enough and I was nagged and nagged to bath/shower each day and use deodorant. God I hated showering.. Didn't every 8-12 year old boy?

There are plenty of roll on or spray anti antiperspirant deodorants out there for females of all ages, dove comes to mind? Boots has a 'female/girly' section full of it.

I personally don't think a deodorant should be 'suggested to an 8 year old'. Instead a parent should make it part of their relationship and make a trip to boots for a nosy with the daughter? or buy some for her in the weekly shop? I remember my mum turned up after the weekly tesco shop with deodorant and men's shower gel.

Edited by lxm on Tuesday 4th August 12:21

Edited by lxm on Tuesday 4th August 12:25

Edited by lxm on Tuesday 4th August 12:27

[Hoofy]

Could be down to the food she's eating, too... a lot of dairy or meat can make people pong even if they wash regularly and wear industrial grade air freshener.

[Fishtigua]

A girl at school had this problem, she was teased dreadfully by her 'mates'.

The old Lifebouy soap didn't work for her. Her mum got her some of this and that did the trick.

http://www.boots.com/en/Odaban-Antiperspirant-spra...

[barryrs]

Also one thing that tends to get missed is her clothing.

Washing at 40 degrees will not kill off bacteria and as such her clothing could be a contributing factor.

[drivin_me_nuts]

Thanks for your advice and tips.

I will get Odaban for her.


I hope it does the trick - it's a horrible problem to have so young.

[Hoofy]

barryrs said:

Also one thing that tends to get missed is her clothing.

Washing at 40 degrees will not kill off bacteria and as such her clothing could be a contributing factor.

Good point. Hate having to put washing back in after it's been... er... washed.

[Rowley Birkin]

Hoofy said:

Good point. Hate having to put washing back in after it's been... er... washed.

Running the washing machine twice in one month doesn't sit well with your thrifty sensibilities Hoofy?

[Zod]

My 9 year old son has recently developed smelly pits. That was a big surprise. It's nothing special, just earlier than expected. We just give him deodorant and he uses it.

[Hoofy]

Rowley Birkin said:

Hoofy said:

Good point. Hate having to put washing back in after it's been... er... washed.

Running the washing machine twice in one month doesn't sit well with your thrifty sensibilities Hoofy?

Haha. You've spotted my tight git posts then.

It's not ideal but I'm not going to go around like I'm wearing Eau de Cellar. For a start, I can't stand the smell of mildew.