It's not actually uncommon for younger kids to have armpit smells. This smell is due to bacteria, sweat, and hormone changes. And as long as your child doesn't have any other signs of puberty, and they're under the age of eight, it's not a concern.
Some kids develop body odor before the usual age of puberty. Talk to the doctor if your child has body odor and is younger than 7 or 8 years (for a girl) or 9 years (for a boy). The doctor can check for signs of puberty starting early, which sometimes needs treatment with medicine.
Make sure your kids take a bath every day. If possible, they can take bath twice a day and use good body soap to clean their armpits, limbs, and genitals well. Children should wear clean clothes and shoes. In summer, they can wear light cotton clothes.
Bromhidrosis is a disease that occurs when the bacteria on your skin breaks down sweat and produces an abnormally offensive smell similar to onions or sulfur. Bromhidrosis body odor is more pungent and persistent than ordinary B.O. There are two types of bromhidrosis: apocrine and eccrine.
But body odor, which can occur in 7-, 6- and even 5-year-olds, generally isn't considered cute, leaving most moms, dads and caregivers wanting to nip stinky armpits in the bud right off the bat. First thing's first, though. While body odor in children can be hard to be around (and smell), it's perfectly normal.
When are they old enough to start wearing deodorant? There's no specific age for a child to start wearing deodorant or antiperspirant. Many start in their teens. Some start as soon as puberty starts to cause body odor, which can be as early 8 or 9 years old for some children.
“Lead with something about the importance of moving our bodies and nutrition, then transition into showering and body odor,” she says. “There's a high likelihood they've seen either parent use deodorant, and you can suggest the two of you go and pick out something of their liking.”
Deodorant for Kids
They may feel self-conscious about sweating and smelling. Deodorant is safe for your kids to use when they're ready. In fact, many brands make a deodorant that is specially formulated for younger wearers.
Both white vinegar and Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV are acidic in nature and have antimicrobial properties. It neutralises the environment in the underarm area and destroys the bacteria. It also works by lowering the pH of the underarm area and unclogs the pores of your skin.
Due to food habits and lack of body hygiene: Food can also be the cause. The state of body odor, especially in the armpits, breath... Babies with underarm odor can also be caused by laziness in personal hygiene, such as wearing smelly clothes or excessive exercise that causes sweating.
Sweat and Body Odor
You might notice this odor under your arms in your armpits. Your feet and genitals might also have new smells. The best way to keep clean is to bathe or shower every day using a mild soap and warm water. This will help wash away any bacteria that contribute to the smells.
If you have diabetes, a change in body odor could be a sign of diabetes-related ketoacidosis. High ketone levels cause your blood to become acidic and your body odor to be fruity. In the case of liver or kidney disease, your odor may give off a bleach-like smell due to toxin buildup in your body.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Children with GERD often regurgitate food which can cause oral health problems. Liver problems: When the liver is not functioning properly, the unprocessed bile that accumulates in the body can produce breath that smells like fish or rotten eggs.
Apocrine bromhidrosis is the most common form of bromhidrosis in adults and is localised, usually to the armpits and/or anogenital area. Eccrine bromhidrosis presents as a generalised malodour, and may be associated with bad breath (halitosis), anogenital odour, and smelly urine.
It's certainly not unheard of for active prepubertal children, even those who practice good hygiene, to need to use deodorant. Since they're a little younger than average to need deodorant, talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns or if general hygiene tips alone don't help.
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is an uncommon condition that causes an unpleasant, fishy smell. It's also called "fish odour syndrome". Sometimes it's caused by faulty genes that a person inherits from their parents, but this isn't always the case.
To help them get into the habit of wearing deodorant, set up reminders. Write a sticky note that says something as simple as “deodorant” and leave it on their bathroom mirror. Or set up a reminder on their smart phone. Even a verbal reminder helps.
Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant
This formula is designed to be gentle, containing 0% aluminum and 0% alcohol, which will help avoid itchy, red underarms–a great option for any teens who shave their armpits. In fact, Dr. Zeichner recommends this aluminum-free deodorant to his own children.
If sweating is excessive, it can cause smelly armpits even if a person washes regularly and uses deodorant or antiperspirant. The first thing that a doctor will recommend is usually a prescription strength antiperspirant. Sometimes, these might burn or irritate the skin.