I'm not sure if this discussion goes here or the parenting board but here goes:

My dd is 8 and has started getting blackhead on the crease below your lip (on your chin--do you know where I mean). Often one or more will develop into a full blown zit. Isn't she young to be getting these? What can we do to prevent them? And, finally, does this mean other developmental things...ie: menstration...will come sooner too????

By Breann on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 04:27 pm:

I really don't know. I just wanted to recommend that you remind her to wash there really well. Also be sure she is using something that is antibacterial.

Sweat can gather in little creases like that and cause the blackheads to form.

I hear that the average age for menstruation (sp) has gone down to 10-12. I didn't start until I was 16! I can't imagine my daughter starting in just a few more years. Hopefully she takes after me.

By Palmbchprincess on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 05:25 pm:

I started getting acne around 9 or 10, and got my period at 11. I was also developing physically (B cup by 11), so it was no surprise I was hitting puberty. I have no suggestions for preventing them, because at 22 I still have problems with ance, especially the area you are talking about. It always seems the big "ouchie" zits start from a blackhead on my chin, and they only seem to come every couple months now. Honestly, take her to a dermatologist if you can, I have been struggling for so long now, and even the tried and true stuff never seems to help.

By Tink on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 07:21 pm:

That is the first area I got pimples but I was older, about 11, I think. I started my period about the same time. I started using Neutrogena's clear glycerin soap every night (reccomended by my dr. at the time) and it cleared up. I rarely have problems there now. I would run it by her pediatrician and it might not hurt to have a refresher talk on the changes she may be about to go through.

By Marcia on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 09:07 pm:

Try giving her some garlic pills at night, and acidophilus in the morning. Acne is a form of yeast, and the above is a yeast cleanse.
My daughter started having some acne only a few months before her period started. She's 11, and it started last summer. Yes, they're getting younger, although I was 12.
I also get her to wipe her face with alcohol. I always did that, and have never had an acne problem.

By Kaye on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 10:12 pm:

My dd started getting an occasional zit at that time too. Mostly I think it is because she touches her face a lot and isn't great about keeping clean hands. She is almost 11 and hasn't started. After talking with lots of moms this is what I have found out. For periods to start girls usually have to weigh about 100 pounds, not always the case, but often so. They will develop breast buds, then hair which happens about 6 months prior to their period starting. Hope that helps some.

By Palmbchprincess on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 10:18 pm:

Marcia, I know you mentioned this treatment before, but how much are you supposed to take? Also, since we are talking about skin, what works for everyone on blackheads specifically? No matter what I cannot get rid of them!

By My2cuties on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 10:42 pm:

Believe it or not I have tried a number of different facial cleansers and every one breaks me out even more...what works for me? Caress soap on my face and body and I have never had 1 blimish. I started when I was 11 totally unprepared and I plan on preparing my girls by age 9..I was clueless, and do not want them to go through that! It would not hurt to tell your dd about the "cycle" now, (if you haven't already) just incase it is time for her to start.

By Marcia on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 12:18 am:

My 11 year old had breast buds at 9, and some hair. When she went for her yearly check up this year, the doc said it would be within months. She could tell by the change in hair growth. Yes, she weighs around 100lbs.
My 9 year old has the slightest feeling of breast buds, and a bit of hair. I think she'll be pretty close in development.
No sign of anything yet in my 8 year old.

By Marcia on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 12:20 am:

Oops, forgot to answer your question, Crystal. I guess it depends on the kind you use. You need to use mega doses, but only for about a month. It's a yeast cleanse. You could continue with low dose acidophilus, because it's a great supplement. So many things in our lives deplete the natural good flora in our bowels, which promotes yeast growth. For instance, something as simple as eating nachos wipes out generations of the good bacteria in your body.
If you ask at a health food store, or read The Yeast Connection, you should get some good ideas.

By Paulas on Friday, December 31, 2004 - 01:41 am:

She weighs about 80 pounds so hopefully that means we are good. I'm going to try some of the products you all mentioned though