By: Megan Yanny, MD, FAAP
One of the first signs of
puberty in your child is likely to be new body odor. Maybe they are a little bit stinkier after their baseball game, or their laundry basket scent is filling up the room. This is perfectly normal.
Smells like tween spirit
What age is normal for body odor to start?
Every child will have some body odor as puberty begins. This often starts as early as age
8 or
9 years old.
What causes body odor?
Pre-teens and teens have body odor from increased
apocrine gland sweating. This means that oil along with sweat now comes out of these sweat glands. Then, bacteria that live on the skin use those oils and release extra smells. Also, any place your child's body is growing hair is more likely to hold odor in.
If you notice more body odor coming from your teen, talk to them about ways to help take care of their bodies and limit odor.
7 tips that can help prevent body odor:
Don't forget the soap.
It is important to clean your body with soap and water. This helps wash away odor-causing bacteria, oil and sweat. You can use an antibacterial soap occasionally if you choose, but most body washes work well for daily use (and help
prevent bacterial resistance). Focus especially on the armpits, feet and groin, washing them with soap and water. And, our scalps also sweat, so do not forget about shampoo.
Shower regularly.
It is typically recommended to shower daily or every other day once you start noticing body odor. Kids may especially need daily showers if they are very active or in sports.
Talk with your child's doctor if they have eczema or other skin conditions that might affect specific soap or showering recommendations.
Use deodorant, with or without antiperspirant.
Stick or spray-on deodorant often comes with
antiperspirant ingredients in it, such as aluminum salts. These help to decrease the amount of sweat coming out of the glands and prevent odors. The
deodorant part helps cover or hide smells using baking soda, alcohols or fragrances.
Consider fragrance- or aluminum-free options for sensitive skin.
Some people get skin irritation from fragrances, perfumes or from the antiperspirant ingredients. You can look for deodorants with labels that say "fragrance-free, "hypoallergenic" or "for sensitive skin." There are many "aluminum-free" options nowadays as well.
Did you know?
Some scented body sprays do not contain true deodorant or antiperspirant ingredients. The fragrance in them is meant to cover up or mask other smells. However, these products do not always prevent body odor.
Wear socks with shoes.
Cotton socks or moisture-wicking socks are especially helpful, along with changing them often.
Choose breathable fabrics when sweating.
Cotton clothing or other natural fabric like linen or wool breathes better and can keep you cooler. Change clothes after working up a sweat from exercise or sports.
When to see the pediatrician about body odor
Remember that body odor is a normal part of growing up. The tips above, can help your child manage it. But what if these ideas don't work?
It's a good idea to talk with the doctor if your child or teen:
is having constant or excessive sweating, or
their sweating is affecting their mental health or social interactions.
The doctor may recommend testing to check for an underlying medical condition that can cause abnormal perspiration and body odor. They can also discuss treatment options for an uncommon genetic condition called
hyperhidrosis, which causes spells of drenching sweat.
Also, talk with your child's pediatrician if you are noticing body odor or other puberty changes starting earlier than age 8.
More information
About Dr. Yanny
 Megan Yanny, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified general pediatrician and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Dr Yanny is involved in medical student and resident education and is a member of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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