Don't sweat ıt
Here's how to help your kid address their body odor
PARENTING | ADVICE
One of the first signs of puberty in your child is likely to be new body odor. Maybe they are a little bit stinkier after their baseball game, or their laundry basket scent is filling up the room. This is perfectly normal.
Every child will have some body odor as puberty begins. This often starts as early as age 8 or 9.
Pre-teens and teens have body odor from increased apocrine gland sweating.
This means that oil along with sweat now comes out of these sweat glands. Then, bacteria that live on the skin use those oils and release extra smells.
Also, any place on your child's body that is growing hair is more likely to hold in odor.
If you notice more body odor coming from your teen, talk to them about ways to help take care of their bodies and limit odor. Here are some tips you can share with them:
1 Don't forget the soap
It is important to clean your body with soap and water. This helps wash away odor-causing bacteria, oil and sweat.
You can use an antibacterial soap occasionally if you choose, but most body washes work well for daily use.
Focus especially on the armpits, feet and groin, washing them with soap and water.
Our scalps also sweat, so do not forget about shampoo.
2 Shower regularly
It is typically recommended to shower daily or every other day once you start noticing body odor. Kids may especially need daily showers if they are very active or in sports. Talk with your child's doctor if they have eczema or other skin conditions that might affect specific soap or showering recommendations.
3 Use deodorant
Stick or spray-on deodorant often comes with antiperspirant ingredients in it, such as aluminum salts. These help decrease the amount of sweat coming out of the glands and prevent odors. The deodorant part helps cover or hide smells using baking soda, alcohols or fragrances.
For kids with sensitive skin, consider fragrance-free or aluminum-free options.
Some scented body sprays do not contain true deodorant or antiperspirant ingredients. The fragrance in them is meant to cover up or mask other smells. However, these products don't always prevent body odor.
4 Wear socks with shoes
Cotton socks or moisture wicking socks are especially helpful with preventing foot odor, along with changing them often.
5 Choose breathable fabrics
Cotton clothing or other natural fabric like linen or wool breathes better and can keep you cooler and may reduce sweating. Change clothes after working up a sweat from exercise or sports.
How your pediatrician can help
Remember that body odor is a normal part of growing up. The tips here can help your child manage it, but what if these ideas don't work?
It's a good idea to talk with the doctor if your child or teen is having constant or excessive sweating, or their sweating is affecting their mental health or social interactions.
The doctor may recommend testing to check for an underlying medical condition that can cause abnormal perspiration and body odor. They also can discuss treatment options for an uncommon genetic condition called hyperhidrosis, which causes spells of drenching sweat.
Also, talk with your child's pediatrician if you are noticing body odor or other puberty changes starting earlier than age 8.
