Eventually just about everyone in America decides to wear underarm deodorant to prevent unpleasant odors. It becomes part of their personal hygiene routine once they get old enough to develop body odor. Most kids develop a need for underarm deodorant around the same age span. They are generally able to control the sweat and odor with commercial products.
Definition
Many people use the term deodorant when they are actually referring to an antiperspirant product. Kids Health, a Nemours hospital website, explains that underarm deodorant covers up body odor, while antiperspirants keep it from developing by preventing sweat. Kids who do perspire heavily may get enough protection from deodorant. Those with wetness problems in their armpits may need an antiperspirant.
Time Frame
Young kids generally do not need to use deodorant. They do not develop sweat-related armpit odors until just before adolescence. Kids Health estimates that boys often develop a need between the ages of nine and 14. Girls generally start having odor problems around the time they start menstruation, although some may need deodorant as young as age eight.
Use
Deodorant or antiperspirant is typically applied once a day. There are products aimed especially at kids, but adult versions can also be used. It will prevent odor throughout the day if it is used in the morning. It should be reapplied if the youngster bathes or takes a shower during the day. Dr. Lynn Smitherman, a pediatrics professor at Wayne State University, explains that parents can teach females about underarm shaving at this time. Not all cultures shave the armpits, but most Americans do. This can lessen odor problems by preventing sweat from getting trapped in the area by the hair.
Considerations
Kids Health advises that kids should learn about other ways to lessen body odor from the armpits. They should known and use personal hygiene techniques like showering every day and taking an extra shower if they do activities that cause a lot of perspiration. They should wear clean clothes every day, including underwear, outerwear and socks.
Warning
Body odor that develops early can be a sign of an underlying medication condition. Net Wellness, a collaborative health website maintained by several universities, warns that it can be caused by phenylketonuria, a metabolic disorder. This is rare because most babies are tested for the condition at birth. It can also indicate premature adrenarche, which means a very early onset of puberty. Young children with underarm odor and other puberty signs should be evaluated by an endocrinologist.
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