While the signs of puberty---including early perspiration in kids---typically begin between the ages of 8 and 12 for girls and 9 and 14 for boys, a condition known as precocious puberty can accelerate this timeline, according to the Mayo Clinic. This condition can be hard for children to understand because it makes them feel different from their peers. Knowing how to support your child through precocious puberty can alleviate some of these problems.
Causes
Puberty begins when your child's brain begins making hormones, including sex hormones, that cause changes in the body, according to the Mayo Clinic. These hormones cause changes such as breast growth and perspiration. If your child begins experiencing these changes earlier than her peers, this is typically not cause for concern. However, in some instances, conditions such as a brain tumor, infection, brain defect, hypothyroidism or other medical condition can cause the early onset of puberty symptoms.
Diagnosis
Children who experience early signs of perspiration, typically before age 7 or 8 in girls or age 9 in boys, may be going through precocious puberty, according to Kids Health. If you are concerned perspiration could be a signal of a more serious condition, your physician can perform a blood or urine test to determine the presence of certain hormones in the body. If the perspiration is excessive or if your child is experiencing mental issues related to early puberty, a physician may be able to prescribe hormones that slow or stop the body's process of making sex hormones.
Function
Explaining early perspiration to your child can be complicated---try to break down what is happening to the basics, according to The Children's Hospital-Denver. Tell your child the body's skin is made of thousands of tiny holes that release liquids to help keep him cool. The sweat your child's body produces doesn't smell on its own---bacteria living on the skin combine with sweat, giving off a smell that can be unpleasant to others.
Emotional Issues
Early signs of puberty can be traumatizing for some children. When this occurs, it's important to be honest with your child about what is happening, according to Kids Health. Explain as best as possible the changes in her body and how you can manage them together. Offer praise and support for school and athletic achievements while working to take the focus off development. If you observe signs of depression or anxiety related to early perspiration and puberty, such as trouble in school, poor grades or disinterest in friendships, seek medical advice.
Body Care
If your child experiences early perspiration, it's important to teach him good hygiene habits to prevent smell or sweat from becoming noticeable to others, according to PBS Kids. Emphasize the importance of taking a shower or bath every day using an antibacterial soap. Take steps to make this process fun for your child. Play music or games to see how fast your child can shower, or use other activities to help your child enjoy bathing. Teach your child about the importance of using deodorant or antiperspirant every day. Have him select a fragrance that he enjoys in order to make him feel a part of the process.
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