Some kids can really stink, literally. While body odor is natural for adults and children who hit puberty, it's not the norm for younger children. Several different causes can be behind your youngster's body odor and, although you can combat the odor with some natural methods, a trek to the doctor is the ideal way to diagnose the exact cause and remedy the root of the situation.
Foods
Certain foods can lead to body odor in children, Healthy New Age notes. Some hormones added to cow's milk are at fault in some cases, a cause you can eliminate by switching your child's milk to organic. Other foods behind body odor in kids often include eggs and other dairy products, meat, wheat and corn.
Precocious Puberty
Body odor is one sign of puberty, which can start earlier than the average age with a condition known as precocious puberty, Kids Health said. Precocious puberty is the onset of puberty in girls before age 7 and boys prior to age 9.
Phenylketonuria
A musty body odor in small children sometimes comes from a condition called phenylketonuria, also known as PKU, according to the Mayo Clinic. This birth defect results in the body not being able to break down phyenylalanine, an amino acid. The musty smell, caused by too much phyenylalaline, often crops up in the child's breath and urine. Other symptoms of PKU include hyperactivity, seizures or jerking movements in the legs and arms, skin rashes, a small head size and, in the most severe cases if left untreated, mental retardation.
Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating, due to a condition called hyerphidrosis, is another reason for body odor in kids, according to Mayo Clinic. The excessive sweat most commonly drenches the underarms, head, face, palms and soles of the feet. The sweat is often abundant enough to soak through your kid's clothes or leave his palms or soles clammy or dripping.
Deodorant
While deodorant works to combat body odor in adults, it's not wise to use it on small children, Healthy New Age warns. Adult deodorants are packed with chemicals, some of which could be harmful to younger children. All-natural home remedies work to combat body odor for a safer option. These include natural baby wipes, baking soda, diluted essential oils or diluted apple cider vinegar.
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