What's that smell? Body odor change means puberty is starting
Posted: September 27, 2024
There's nothing quite like the smell of body odor and armpit smell changing to remind parents their little children are growing up and approaching puberty. [caption id="attachment_10949" align="alignright" width="450"]
Sweaty clothes can harbor bacteria and cause body odor. Kids should wear fresh clothes daily once puberty starts.[/caption]
When kids start to smell differently, remember that it's a normal part of growing up and that simple changes to their hygiene routine should keep kids smelling fresh.
Body odor change usually is a sign of puberty
Parents and kids shouldn't be alarmed by normal body odor. It's caused by hormonal changes that come when children start puberty. Discussions with parents and books about puberty can help kids learn more about why their body is changing and what to expect as they get older. "Body odor signaling the start of puberty can start as early as age 7 for girls and age 9 for boys," said Dr. Kathryn Schaus, a Marshfield Children's pediatrician. If body odor starts before age 7 for girls or 9 for boys or smells strange, make an appointment with your child's pediatrician. Certain medical conditions like Type 1 diabetes can cause an acetone-type smell. A diet that includes a lot of greasy food can cause odor in children of all ages. Excessive sweating also can cause odor when it combines with bacteria found naturally on your skin. Contact your child's doctor if your child is sweating excessively.How to get rid of body odor
Around the time body odor change happens, children should start taking a shower or bath every day. Bathing after physical activity is especially important to rinse away sweat that has combined with bacteria on the skin. "It's really important that kids wear fresh underwear, socks and other clothing daily because sweaty clothes can harbor bacteria and cause odor," Schaus said when asked how to get rid of body odor. Deodorant and antiperspirant can help reduce odor, including odor or armpit smell caused by sweating in active kids. Children can use an unscented product if they are sensitive to fragrances or don't like the smell of scented deodorant. Besides practicing good hygiene, staying hydrated and eating a healthful diet that doesn't include a lot of greasy food should keep body odor at bay. [divider]For questions about teen body odor, talk to a Marshfield Children's provider.
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