Hormonal changes during puberty not only bring about significant physical changes to your child's body, but also cause an increase in perspiration and body oil production, making personal hygiene even more of a priority. While some children may willingly change their hygiene habits during puberty, others may need some encouragement and reminders.
Identification
During puberty, the pituitary gland at the base of your child's brain releases hormones that travel to the reproductive system. When the hormone reaches the reproductive system, boys' testes begin producing the hormone testosterone, while girls' ovaries start producing the hormone estrogen. Outward changes don't appear immediately after the release of these special hormones, but occur one to three years later, according to Mass General Hospital for Children.
The testes are located in a sac beneath the penis in boys, while the ovaries are located in the abdomen near the uterus in girl. Testosterone and estrogen, in combination with other hormones, are needed to trigger the growth spurt and development in pubic and underarm hair in both sexes, facial hair development in boys, breast development in girls and enlargement of the penis and testicles in boys.
Increase in Perspiration
Puberty hormones stimulate the glands in the skin, including the sweat glands under the arms, according to Kids Health from Nemours. These changes cause an increase in sweating in both the underarm and genital areas. When sweat from these areas mixes with bacteria on the skin, an unpleasant odor can occur. Bathing daily washes away the bacteria and accumulated sweat. If your child is active in sports or other activities, she may need to bathe more often than once per day. Applying an antiperspirant once per day can help prevent sweating and the resulting odor.
Considerations
Foot odor can also be a problem during adolescence. Carefully washing and drying the feet, changing footwear daily and wearing natural fiber socks can help reduce odor. Children's, Youth and Women's Health Service recommends drying feet carefully, especially between the toes, where more bacteria collect than anywhere else on your skin.
Oil Gland Production
Oil glands in the hair follicles produce sebum, an oil that moisturizes the skin and hair. During puberty, too much oil is produced, causing clogged pores. When the p.acnes bacteria on your skin mixes with the oil, the pores become inflamed, producing pimples, or acne. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing the face at least twice each day and shampooing daily to remove excess oil from hair.
Wearing Clean Clothes
In addition to washing his face and body daily, your child should also wear only clean clothing. Previously worn clothing can hold odors and make your child smell even if he has just showered. Wearing clean underwear is just as important as wearing clean outer clothing. Children's, Youth and Women's Health Service reports that because underclothes are next to your skin, they collect dead skin cells, sweat and stains. When bacteria grow on underwear during the night, odor can occur.
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