We all know armpits stink, but we don't expect it until puberty. 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.
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.
Encourage your children to drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Drinking organic, Soya or almond milk instead of cow's milk is helpful to prevent body odor in children. Avoid foods that can cause body odor and increase the intake of fresh, green leafy vegetables and herbs.
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.
The best way to prevent smelly armpits is to wash daily and after sweating. Using antiperspirant or deodorant and shaving the armpits can also help. Avoiding alcohol and certain foods, such as onions and garlic, will also help prevent smelly armpits in some cases.
Body odor is caused by a mix of bacteria and sweat on your skin. Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. Prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may help.
If you're concerned about sweating and body odor, the solution may be simple: an antiperspirant or deodorant. Antiperspirant. Antiperspirants contain aluminium-based compounds that temporarily block sweat pores, thereby reducing the amount of sweat that reaches your skin.
Body odor change usually is a sign of puberty
“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 7-9 or smells strange, make an appointment with your child's pediatrician.
Premature pubarche, or the development of pubic hair before the age of 8 in girls or 9 in boys, is most commonly caused by premature adrenarche. Adrenarche is the maturation of the adrenal zona reticularis in both boys and girls, resulting in the development of pubic hair, axillary hair, and adult apocrine body odor.
Consistent body washing with daily baths or showers and warm water—Kids should really focus particularly in areas like under the arms, around the groin and on the feet. This helps to reduce body odor by washing away the bacteria that cause the odor.
The skin under your child's arm is delicate, sensitive, and still developing. To ensure that their deodorant doesn't cause a rash or otherwise irritate them, opt for a formula that is free from harsh chemicals, like Tom's of Maine Wicked Cool! Natural Deodorant.
Parents can act subtly by leaving a deodorant on their bathroom counter or by opening up the conversation during a shopping trip while picking up deodorant for themselves. How you approach the subject will depend on your child and his/her personality. Explain the changes and reassure them it is normal.
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.
Allow your body to sweat naturally
Aluminum-free deodorants do not block perspiration, so your sweat flows freely with no blockages or interruption to your natural body function.
"It's all about association, and kids often sniff things that conjure up pleasant memories that they find comforting." These soothing smells can simply help a child feel more safe and secure—or relaxed enough to facilitate sleep.
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.
While in the shower fill your hand with hydrogen peroxide and splash and rub it into each of your underarms. At the end of the shower you may rinse it off with water only (This will kill some of the bacteria and is effective) Shave or remove your underarm hair (this decreases sweat production)
Bathing every day, especially after a lot of sweating or in hot weather, can help with body odor. So can wearing clean clothes, underwear, and socks each day.