Sensory issues with female hygiene products DD

[Realmehere]

Hi all - sorry long and first time MN post.

My DD is nearly 13 has ASD and sensory issues present a huge daily challenge - smells, texture (creams, gels etc). Also she has a ‘fear of chemicals’ which isn’t sensory rather anxiety related (think need CBT help for that..)

All of this makes personal hygiene a massive challenge and Covid has really tipped things over the edge with smell from hand sanitisers and all the hand washing (she hates soap). So have actually gone backwards after years of building up the small steps and routines. Only other night found out she has been brushing teeth (as I can see if that is being done) but had stopped using tooth paste - I feel like rubbish parent for not knowing this. Stressed about re introducing this as will be very hard. She says it’s the texture.

There is one brand of scent free soap that I can have in the bathroom for the family to use and she uses simple bar soap (but under duress).

She has hit puberty now but not yet started periods. Has anyone similar experiences?

I am wondering if there are any recommendations for scent free deodorants, sanitary products? Although she seems to say that scent free still always smells.

I am not sure what practically I am going to do, bed to speak to her and get her views as well. But want to get in some options for products etc to start a discussion.

A new journey ahead at the same year as senior school / homeschooling and Covid.

Thanks for help and support.

[Imiss2019]

If you’re worried about the teeth brushing dentists can apply a fluoride varnish onto the teeth every few months to prevent decay.

A young boy I once worked with would use toothpaste for similar reasons but would tolerate having the varnish applied every few months

[Imiss2019]

Would not use that should say

[Realmehere]

@Imiss2019 that is super helpful that you!

[NannyR]

I can very much relate to this - I stopped using toothpaste for several years as a child for sensory reasons, my teeth are awful now, even though I take really good care of them now. I really wish my parents had noticed and helped me sort out a solution.
I'm also the same with soap, hand sanitiser, lotions that I'm not familiar with - I always carry my own soap and sanitiser around that I'm ok with.
I use a deodorant crystal stone that has no scent or texture/feel - it's just a smooth crystal that you rub under your arms when you get out of the shower, a small amount of the salt dissolves in the wet on your skin and stops bacteria growth. I find it very effective at stopping odour, other people don't find it that good, but it might be worth trying.
I've used cloth sanitary towels for a long time and have recently started using period pants which are brilliant and I wish I'd tried them a long time ago - no scent, no uncomfortable pads.

[starfishmummy]

@Realmehere have you tried oranurse toothpaste? Its flavour free and doesnt foam up. Its NOT prescription but you usually have to ask for it in a pharmacy or can lrobably get it online.

[Realmehere]

Hi @NannyR
Thanks so much, I had a great chat with DD and we now have ordered the crystal deo and period pants. DD liked to hear that she isn't alone and others have similar preferences and aversions.

The toothpaste battle or dental hygine is tricky. I have now a flouride mouthwash while set up dentist appointment. @starfishmummy I will defo give that a try.

Thanks everyone.

[BoobsOnTheMoon]

Period pants, definitely. But get the more expensive makes - the cheap ones are uncomfortable and feel wet which might put her off. Modibodi are very well recommended :)

For teeth cleaning - oranurse or lush toothpaste jelly!

[Chaotica]

If she is chemical averse (and wants to avoid fragrance etc) have you tried any salt or dead sea salt mineral products? (I use them because I'm allergic to ordinary soap and shampoo ingredients.)

Sea Magik are really good (not 'free of additives' but they are all very benign) and although they are expensive, they last a long time. There are probably other similar products around.

Plain unfragranced vegetable oil based soap is also good (Simple Soap is not really that simple in comparison) and cheap.