Wellness

Pubertal Changes In Girls & Boys

Answered by Team ParentCircle

Dr. Swati Kanodia answers your questions on helping your child cope with the physical changes during puberty

1. My daughter is only 9 years old, and I feel her body is quite developed for her age. In the last year, her breasts have developed; even though she is fit, her frame has become larger. Also, she has grown quite tall. She looks like a 14/15-year-old teen. She hasn’t got her periods yet. Is this growth spurt normal? Should I be worried?

– Anonymous

Any pubertal changes before 8 years of age in girls and 9 years in boys is termed precocious puberty (early puberty). Your daughter has what is called early puberty. It has become quite common these days for girls to start developing early. Within 1.5–2 years of the onset of breast development, periods start. Early puberty can bring about early periods and also affect final adult height in children—as in the child stops growing early and might remain short. Consult a pediatric endocrinologist to know whether this early development is normal or not. If it is precocious puberty, it can be treated. The treatment can help children reach their adult height potential and help your daughter deal with the emotional and social stress from maturing early.

2. My 13-year-old son has a body odor issue. A friend suggested mixing alum dissolved in water with a few drops of camphor. Is this safe for him? If not, what can we do?

– Mrinalini, Mumbai

Body odor is a sign of hormonal changes in adolescents. It is a normal phenomenon. You can ask your son to take regular showers with particular attention to the armpit, groin area and feet. Make sure he wears clean loose clothes and uses antiperspirants and deodorants. It is essential to drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated. Avoid giving him very spicy foods and food items with strong smells.

3. I have a 12-year-old daughter. She is getting acne. It’s not yet a persistent problem, as it’s mild as of now. Is there anything we can do to prevent it and ensure her skin is healthy? Any skin routine that we should follow?

– Charu, Bengaluru

Acne is a sign of pubertal (hormonal) changes in this age group, and it is a normal phenomenon. Frequently washing the face with water and a gentle face wash, staying hydrated, eating a healthy balanced diet and exercising can help keep acne in control. Your daughter should avoid touching her face to prevent the spread of acne. If acne is severe or associated with irregular periods and increased facial hair, contact a pediatric endocrinologist.

4. My 13-year-old daughter has a body hair issue. She has hair on her hands and legs and is getting a lot of hair in areas where it didn’t grow before. She is getting very conscious about it. I think her classmates commented on it. Can I start using epilators to remove the hair? I feel wax is too harsh for her.

– Anonymous

Body hair can be safely removed with epilation, threading, creams, or waxing. Laser hair removal therapy is not recommended before 18 years of age. Hair in other areas is part of pubertal changes and is quite normal. Hair in these areas can also be safely removed if desired.

The expert is an MD (Ped), Fellow- Pediatric & Adolescent Endocrinology & Diabetes (GRIPMER), ESPE Fellow- Alder Hey Children's Hospital,  Liverpool UK, PGDD(Distinction), Cardiff UK and ICMR Medical Genetics course, SGPGI.

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