Strong Body Odor In Children

If you're like most people, strong body odor is something you associate with locker rooms and hormonal teenagers; not infants or young children. Yet several different conditions--ranging from the relatively benign to the serious--can cause strong body odor in children. If your child has unusually strong body odor, consult a doctor to determine the cause and discuss possible treatment options.

PKU

Phenylketonuria, or PKU, is a disorder that occurs when too much amino acid builds up in the body. Children with PKU may develop seizures, behavior problems, and serious learning disabilities. According to Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, children with untreated PKU have a, "musty or mouse-like odor." Other symptoms of PKU include skin and hair that appears significantly lighter than other family members, and eczema and other skin conditions. If you suspect your child has PKU, see a doctor immediately.

Precocious Puberty

Precocious puberty occurs when a child starts to exhibit signs of puberty at an unusually early age. A strong, mature body odor often accompanies precocious puberty.

For girls, precocious puberty is puberty occurring before age 7 or 8. Signs of precocious puberty in girls may include early breast development, acne, pubic hair, or menstruation. For boys under the age of 9, precocious puberty may cause the voice to deepen and the penis and testicles to grow, according to kidshealth.org.

According to the University of Michigan Health System, if your child starts puberty before age 9, you should consult a doctor to rule out the existence of a more serious condition. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, McCune-Albright Syndrome, and spina bifida with hydrocephalus may all cause precocious puberty.

Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a disorder that can affect the hands, feet, underarms or face. When a child sweats, bacteria on the skin interact with compounds in the sweat, producing chemicals that emit a foul odor. If your child sweats to the point of embarrassment, consult a doctor to discuss treatment options. Treatment for hyperhidrosis may include antiperspirants, frequent bathing, or injections of purified botulism toxin, says the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

Food

If your child smells bad, you might find the culprit in your refrigerator. Hormone-laden milk can cause children to emit an unpleasant odor, as can eating meat, eggs, wheat, or corn. Switching to an organic milk and avoiding certain foods altogether may help to eliminate the smell. You may also want to avoid serving your child foods made with cumin, curry, or garlic.

Affects

No child wants to deal with the social fallout of having unusually strong body odor. If left untreated, body odor can lead to self-image and social problems for young children. If you are concerned about your child's strong body odor, get the advice of a qualified medical professional.