Overview
Body odor usually begins at the onset of puberty, around 7 to 9 years of age, according to Kids Health, a website of the Nemours Foundation Center for Children’s Health. For some younger children, however, body odor is a result of other causes. While some body odors are normal and can easily be remedied, others may require the attention of a pediatrician. To rule out a serious medical condition, it is important to understand what is causing a child’s body odor and how it can be treated.
Symptoms
According to the Baby Center, a worldwide interactive parenting information network, body odor can occur on any part of a child’s body. Some children may find that body odor develops under the armpits. Others find that the feet or folds of skin exhibit body odor. The smells vary as well. Some young children may have a sour smell caused by milk or food becoming caught under the chin. In addition, medical conditions can cause the body to smell fruity or like rotting fish, cabbage, chlorine or even maple syrup.
Causes
Sometimes a child’s body odor may just mean that dirt and oil is trapped on the skin. Occasionally, a medical disorder may be the cause. Dr. Spock.com explains that some medical conditions such as hyperhydrosis can cause a child to sweat more than normal. This can result in an unattractive body odor. Even milk can cause body odor. Some young children with body odors might be experiencing precocious puberty. Kids Health explains that this is a condition in which puberty starts before the age of 7 in girls and 9 in boys.
Treatment
For body odor caused by dirt or food, Baby Center recommends a bath to take care of the problem. In addition, use baking soda, sage tea, baby wipes or apple cider vinegar on the child’s smelly areas. If a milk allergy is suspected, switch to organic or almond or rice milk. For medical conditions such as precocious puberty and hyperhydrosis, a doctor’s advice is required.
Doctor’s Care
When medical conditions are the suspected cause of body odor, a pediatrician should be consulted. He will be able to diagnose exactly what is causing the body odor and offer suggestions. For conditions such as precocious puberty, Kids Health says that a doctor will prescribe a hormonal treatment to stop the production of hormones that are causing advanced puberty. A doctor may also refer a child to a geneticist who can diagnose any possible metabolism disorders that might be contributing to the problem.
Tips
Do not use deodorant and antiperspirants on young children. These are designed for adults and contains chemicals that may be harmful and toxic to children. Because bad body odor can be damaging to a child’s self-esteem, Kids Health recommends making the home environment supportive. Divert the focus by praising good school work or sports achievements. Keep communication lines open with a child and be gentle and honest.
About this Author
Rose Erickson has been a writer for 20 years. She has written five novels, the first completed when she was only 15 years old. She was published in the Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans.
