Does your child have a wet sock or locker room smell? Children typically need to start using a deodorant when they hit puberty, between ages 8 and 13 for girls and between ages 9 and 14 for boys. However, some children have noticeable body odor before puberty. There are some children, even as babies, who produce more sweat than normal, a condition called hyperhidrosis. They are otherwise healthy, except for excessive sweating.

Before you run out of shopping for all kinds of deodorants and perfumes for your child, let’s first look at what causes body odor and then what can be done to combat it.

Sweatshirt and body odor

Contrary to popular belief, perspiration or sweat does not have an odor. That’s right, sweat doesn’t smell bad. The human body produces two types of sweat: eccrine, a transparent and odorless sweat that appears all over the body and fulfills the fundamental function of regulating body temperature, and apocrine, a thicker substance produced by the glands in the armpits, the scalp and muzzle areas. Sweat also provides a natural method of removing toxins from the body.

Body odor occurs when sweat is exposed to bacteria on the skin. It is the mixture of sweat and bacteria that causes the bad smell. This occurs in places where sweat cannot easily evaporate, for example, the armpit or genital area.

Body odor prevention

The key to eliminating most body odors is to inhibit the body’s production of apocrine sweat and decrease the number of bacteria on the skin’s surface.

• Use an antibacterial deodorant soap: Wash daily with an antibacterial soap like Dial or Safeguard.
• Use an acne cleanser: If antibacterial soaps don’t work, try using an acne cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide. It has strong antibacterial properties. Be careful, excessive use can cause dryness and irritation. You can also try Neosporin or an antibacterial ointment.
• Isopropyl alcohol: Try rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, or hydrogen peroxide for extra protection. These products help reduce the number of odor-causing bacteria.
• Try a homemade deodorant: Mix equal parts of witch hazel, aloe vera and mineral water. You can also add 1 teaspoon of glycerin along with good-smelling oil. Mix it up in a spray bottle and enjoy!
• Antiperspirants: Antiperspirants are aluminum-based chemicals that block the pores of the apocrine glands, preventing you from sweating. Antiperspirants can cause irritation or even contact dermatitis: red, swollen, itchy skin, especially in young children. If you use an antiperspirant, try one that is fragrance-free.
• Deodorants: Deodorants remove or mask the smell of sweat by neutralizing bacteria. Deodorants do not prevent sweating, so deodorants can be reapplied throughout the day to prevent bacteria and odors from growing. Deodorants and remedies like isopropyl alcohol, antibacterial cleansers, or household deodorants may be less irritating to young skin than antiperspirants.
• bathe daily: Regular bathing helps reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin.
• Dry your feet well after bathing: Bacteria thrive in moist places, like between the toes. Use powders like cornstarch, baking soda, or foot powders to help absorb moisture.
• Wear shoes and socks made from natural materials: Shoes made from natural materials, such as leather or a mesh material, can help prevent sweaty feet by allowing your feet to breathe.
• Change socks often: Change socks once or twice a day, drying your feet.
• Wear loose clothing: Wear loose, natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and silk that allow your skin to breathe.
• Odor-fighting laundry detergents: Wash your clothes with a detergent to combat odors. If necessary, change your clothes or underwear during the day.
• Eat a well-balanced diet: If there are many toxins in the body, they can cause a bad smell. If you eat a balanced diet and eliminate waste efficiently, none of your excretions, including urine and feces, should smell bad.

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

For most people, sweating is little more than an annoyance. Others just produce more sweat than others for no apparent reason. Whatever the reason, there are some factors that can cause children to sweat a lot. These include:

• Inheritance: Some people have a genetic predisposition to sweat excessively.
• Certain foods and drinks: Hot drinks and spicy foods
• Certain types of medications
• Diabetes: A fruity smell can be a sign of diabetes.
• liver or kidney disease: An ammonia smell may be a sign of kidney or liver disease.
• Fever: Fever can occur with many types of bacterial and viral infections. Sweating profusely is the body’s way of getting rid of excess heat.
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Certain types of cancer: Leukemia and lymphoma can cause unusual sweating patterns.
• Metabolic disorders: Some metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria (PKU) can cause body odor.

Whereas in most children, body odor and sweating are not related to any medical problem.
condition, if your child has an unpleasant odor, it should be evaluated by a doctor.