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Original poster

Is it O.K for DS7 to use deodourant ?

13 replies

PopsP · 04/05/2003 15:31

My DS7 has really smelly armpits even though he showers everyday. I said I would get him some deodourant, but my DP is againat this as he thinks he is far too young and is worried that the chemicals in the deodorant would not be suitable at such a young age. At what age do children start using deodourant these days and are there any extra gentle ones that you reccomend ?

OP posts:

spacemonkey · 04/05/2003 15:37

I think I'd ask the doc or HV for advice - I'm not qualified to give an opinion, but I can't imagine deodorant would be harmful, it just seems unusual for a 7 year old to have smelly armpits (I thought one's pits only started getting smelly at puberty??) and I'd want to know why!

Wills · 04/05/2003 16:01

Seven sons? Wow - how the heck did you persaude dp???

doormat · 04/05/2003 16:15

My ds1 who is 10 has been using his dads half empty cans of deoderant since he was about 4.(also his after shave). I dont think it is harmful except if he sprayed near his eyes but I would get an expert opinion.
If you and your dh dont feel comfortable about deoderant try using tea tree shower gel for under his arms as that is anti bacterial. Maybe that could help.

mammya · 04/05/2003 22:35

How about using a natural deodorant? I have one which is called something like Natural Rock Crystal Deodorant (sorry can't remember exactly, haven't kept the box) you should find it in health food shops. It works really well and lasts for ages.

tilba · 05/05/2003 00:59

Is he actually using soap on his armpits when he showers??!! I know this sounds incredibly basic but having had a lot to do with boys hygiene (don't ask!)I know this is a bit of a hicup in their regime. Same goes for shampoo !!Very happy to saturate hair but the rest is a bit of an effort.
I agree with Mammya re the rock deodorant. Wouldn't use anything with chemicals on a 7 year old if you can avoid it. What about his shirts....are they 100% cotton?

Lennon · 05/05/2003 16:14

The chemical you need to avoid is aluminium, which is in most deodourants -- Neal's Yard do a good one and I found one in the supermarket called Biosen. These will help get rid of any smell but won't stop any sweating (which is what the aluminium does ) and should be fine for children. Good luck!

pupuce · 05/05/2003 16:19

Crystal is very good, we use it and we use Toms of Maine Aluminium free deodorant too - available in supermarkets.

WedgiesMum · 05/05/2003 22:06

Lush do lots of different deoderants that have natural ingredients in them and there's a branch in most main towns/cities now. They're also on the web (I think www.lush.com - but you'll find it on a search engine). The deoderants last AGES and are great even on the smelliest of pits (DH are you listening???)

smartie · 06/05/2003 18:05

mammya is describing PIT ROK I think, free from alcohol, perfumes and aluminium. My dd uses it. Health food shops stock a good range.

See 'Unpleasant bo in 5 yr old' posted in March I think. I would be interested to hear what your gp has to say, should you take him! Children shouldn't need deodrant until puberty, which does happen earlier in some cases than it did with us, is your ds developing in any other area? Is he chubby?

scoobysnax · 06/05/2003 19:34

Does DS7 mean you have 7 (or more) sons? If so then Respect!
I think deoderant is only normally necessary after puberty - before that normal daily bathing/washing is fine. I too would be worried about the potentially toxic cummulative effects of deoderants...
One for your GPs advice I would say.

Original poster

PopsP · 08/05/2003 12:26

Thanks for all your advice is great to get so many suggestions.
I will be seeing my hv next week for my baby's check up so I will ask her advice and then decide whether to go and see my doctor. I was trying to avoid seeing the doctor as I did not want my son to start worrying about his body. In the meantime I will visit the health store to get one of the natural deodourants that have been reccomended.

Tilba - I know he is wahing properly with soap and flannel - as I still oversee his showers.

Smartie - My son does not seem to be developing in any other way, but he is chubby. What made you ask - is being chubby a sign of something ?

By the way, DS7 - meant he is 7 years old, not number 7. Im new to message boards and have not mastered the terminology yet. Two kids is plenty for me, seven or more would kill me !

OP posts:

smartie · 08/05/2003 14:45

PopsP, I don't really know why I asked! My dd is skinny but I get the impression that well built children develop quicker than thinner kids... Sorry no basis to my theory.

My gp was baffled saying she hadn't come accross it before, she asked her more senior collegues and reported back to me saying they were none the wiser. She said there was no harm in using any kind of deodrant but I'm very happy with PIT R0K it works well and comes in an easy to use spray now, I've started using it myself too.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Jaybee · 08/05/2003 15:13

PopsP - my ds who is now 9 also seems to sweat alot and has done for a while - not sure whether he was 7 or 8 when I first noticed. He tends to be worse in his football shirts which is not surprising as they are nylon - he has been using Sanex microtalc which seems to work. He is quite tall and large for his age and also can have a tendency to be a bit chubby so maybe that is a factor. I haven't taken him to the doctors as I just think it is a first sign of early puberty, like the hairs on his legs seem to be getting more prominent.

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