All children sweat, especially if they are active. However, not all children have underarm odor. Underarm odor, also called body odor, is a sign that a child is entering puberty. By knowing what causes underarm odor, you can respond calmly and talk with your child about what's happening to his body.
Significance
If you notice your child is beginning to develop body odor, don't worry. Body odor is a normal part of a child's physical development. The scent means your child's body is beginning to develop the glands in his armpits that make sweat smell sour.
Time Frame
Body odor is often one of the first signs of puberty. Healthy Children, the website maintained by the American Academy of Pediatrics, states that puberty for most children normally occurs between 9 and 13 years of age. In boys, body odor is often accompanied by enlargement of the testes. In girls, it's accompanied by a significant growth spurt, breast bud development and the growth of pubic hair.
Prevention/Solution
Don't buy an antiperspirant combined with a deodorant. Children still need to sweat to be healthy. In addition, an antiperspirant can cause irritation. If your child's underarms get irritated, she might not be willing to use the product. In addition, you can try underarm deodorant crystals and other natural products to see what is appropriate for your child.
Considerations
Have your child manage her hygiene. She should take regular showers, especially after physical activity. She should also wear clean clothing each day, paying particular attention to her socks and underpants.
Expert Insight
If your child isn't approaching puberty and has body odor, check with your doctor. Body odor might be sign of early onset puberty, also called precious puberty, which requires some additional medical checks. The MayoClinic.com states that girls younger than 8 years of age who start puberty might receive a diagnosis of precocious puberty. For boys, it's a potential diagnosis if boys display signs of puberty prior to the age of 9.
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