Permanent Dirt?@!

We used baby oil. When he is in the tub, but baby oil on it, let it soak for the remainder of bathtime then take a very warm washcloth to it. Good luck, J.!

My niece had the same issue a few years ago. Her mom used some baby oil and rubbed it. It still took some rubbing though, and her neck got red. Maybe if you also used a loofa? I'm thinking she did that but I'm not sure. After that, when he is taking a shower or bath he needs to focus on that area and keep it clean.

how about baby oil? or baby lotion?

My daughter had a problem with that...behind her ears & in her ears a little. I just use a baby wipe and it takes it off, no problems. Maybe you've already tried that though?!? If not, give it a try...if it doesn't work, I would try baby oil on a soft cloth...that should do the trick too.
Good Luck!

I have 3 boys...dirty necked boys! When I see the permanant dirt I follow them to the tub and rub shaving cream all over thier necks and ears. I have them leave this one for the whole long play bath. I then wash thier hair and rinse thier necks. It usually works. If that doesn't get it all rub either olive oil or spray pam on thier necks and let it soak in! It takes oils to remove oils, which is what this is. Its just skin oils and dead skin.
Hope this works!

I heard something once about Lemon juice. My sister had knees and feet like that and i think that helped. not sure about lemon juice on the neck and ears though since that skin is more sensitive.

I used to have a similer problem when I was younger and was told it is actually a type of fungus. Try using an athletes foot cream on the areas and it should come off.

Hi J.,
I really don't want to alarm you, and this could probably have nothing to do with it and not apply to you at all, but it could be a skin condition and not dirt at all. How is your son's diet?
I was obese when I was younger and into adulthood and my sister always teased me about this "permanent" dirt that existed on my neck, under my arms, and in my inner thighs. I scrubbed and scrubbed too but it never came off. As an adult I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and a side affect of this is a condition known as Acanthosis Nigricans. This condition is caused by insulin resistance. I have since lost 70 lbs. through diet and exercise, PCOS is under control, and my "dirty" skin has gone away.
Now of course your son can't have PCOS and I have no idea about his diet so again, forgive me if this doesn't apply to you, but "permanent dirt" on the neck just sounded all too familiar to me so I thought I would share my story.
Here is a link I found online about the condition http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/acanthosis...
I hope I am wrong and all you need is a special oil. At any rate, the condition itself is not serious, but could be an indicator for other issues.
Good luck and I wish you the best!

HI J.!

I understand your frustration. Please don't scrub the poor boy until it hurts him. A little 'taned' neck, if that is the only problem is not worth his discomfort.
Here's a better idea...Take a look at the soaps and cleaning items that you are using. There is a better way to protect your family and home SAFELY with non-toxic products.
Give me a call at ###-###-#### or check my website for more information:
http://www.livetotalwellness.com/bevk and you may find a safer, healthier way to bathe your boys.

B. K (Elgin, IL)

Hi J.- sometimes this happens when kids aren't faithful at always cleaning themselves properly... they wash here and there the obvious places and miss ears, necks [front & back] ... I think just making sure he's consistent every time and showing him how you want him to do it everytime will help the problem to go away on it's own.

Mrs. Maul

maybe Dr Bronners soaps, like lavender or peppermint. This stuff is strong and natural--watch the eyes! (and the text on the bottles--o my) We find it even works on bike greased-legs. Then moisturize with Aveeno or something.

We had the same problem...shampoo takes it off.