Getting rid of a layer of grime on child - SEN issues

[Mammia135]

My SEN child is tactile defensive and he is super sensitive around his neck. He has regular baths now but won’t let us scrub him around his neck. I didn’t realise until we moved into spring and he started wearing single layers than he has this layer - it looks like a grey 5 o’clock shadow on a small child - that can’t just be soaped off - it needs a proper rough scrub, but he absolutely won’t let me near it. I’ve give him a wash clothe to do it himself and shown it to him in the mirror but he won’t do more than a quick cursory wipe.

Are there any products that can help? It really doesn’t look very healthy or hygienic even though he is soaping it regularly.

Use an exfoliating wash.

What about cotton wool pads and micellar water? One of the oil based ones? Very gentle but effective.

Oil might loosen it - I just had to do that to myself to get residue from sticky dressings off! Something like the bioderma. You massage it on and then it suds up a bit with water
if it doesn’t work it’s a lovely shower oil anyway and also great for leg shaving!

https://amzn.eu/d/hBgrOug

How old is he?

We have this issue with one kid, in desperation I gave him a really warm bath then a massage with oil and then wiped that off with a softish towel - it was inspired by the romans using oil and scraping tools, it did help.

Thank you all! I’ll try some olive oil and also get some bioderma.

Is it definitely grime? I remember my mum vigorously scrubbing my neck with Clearasil when I was kid to get rid of the "dirt" which was actually acanthosis nigricans, a sign of insulin resistance. Have a quick Google of AN photos before you start scrubbing!

Hmmm! He does have it under his armpits too. But we’ve seen this on his neck before and it did wash off after scrubbing eventually. I’ll try the oil but I’ll be gentle.

Does it happen in all skin folds? His lower half gets cleaned thoroughly and is clear.

What about cleansing pads that don’t require soap and water?

Cheap ones to try. -

https://www.poundland.co.uk/xbc-tea-tree-cleansing-pads-pack-of-60?gad_source=4&gad_campaignid=22173179199&gbraid=0AAAAABKQFV1V-Bj2nazXc1ysymBbKUUei&gclid=CjwKCAjw3f_BBhAPEiwAaA3K5CBGhV-ag71TIEvEF8MkLfppK0H0Zkxgk50DcR2wGk5BNgvJ0uQ1cxoCFyoQAvD_BwE

Ok I’ve just rubbed his neck with olive oil and it is coming off! It’s more brown than black. He only let me do a little patch so we’ll keep working on it. Bioderma will arrive tomorrow.

The bioderma you can rub on dry skin then wash off or wet skin, whatever’s easier. If you can use a soft flannel that might help

Just wanted to say thanks - bioderma is working though I do need to press firmly to remove the grime, so my child will only let me do a little bit at a time. It will be an ongoing process I think!