OT- Body odor in young children

[Dallas_Lady]

DD is only 5 years old but by the end of the day she has noticeable underarm odor. This is especially the case when she plays outside or sweats that day. She showers/bathes every day. This seems way too young to be dealing with this; I'm worried that early puberty is on the horizon (I have heard of girls starting as early as 8 these days). Has anyone else dealt with this? What can I do about it? Am I over reacting?

 

[bjscheel]

Well, first of all, get her some deodorant. I don't know if it is necessarily a sign of early puberty, but the time to start deodorant is when they need it, so she won't be embarrassed.

Hopefully that will be your only issue and the other stuff won't happen for several more years

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

I really have any advice to offer, but I wanted to share that one of my daycare children had similar issues when she was 5. She started wearing deodorant in kindergarten. Her doctor mentioned it was a sign that she would most likely start puberty really early.

I certainly wouldn't worry about it, but might be worth mentioning next time you are at the dr.

 

[princesspwrhr]

All three of my girls started using deoderant earlier than I remember ever needing it! My youngest will be 7 in a few weeks and she has to use it occasionally. My middle will be 8 in a month and she has to use it fairly often. My oldest is 13 and she was also somewhere in the 7-8yo range.

There are different theories on reasoning that have nothing to do with early puberty (though you do want to keep an eye out for other signs). Some theories include hormones in cow's milk, other dietary issues, and metabolic issues. Do a little research see if there's something you can change (organic milk, dietary changes, different soap) and let her pick out a mild, non toxic deoderant like Toms of Maine, or Jason's Naturals or make some homemade (lots of recipes out there). Adult deoderant (particularly womens) has aluminum in it which isn't really great for you. There are a couple of deoderants out there designed for kids (but not that I've found at a regular place like a drugstore or big box store)

 

[marmalade]

My first thought is it has to be something she is eating. At 5 I would think diet way before I even thought of puberty. Do you cook with a lot of garlic or onions? Or like op said it might have something to do with milk? I wouldn't stress about it, just have her put some B.O juice on in the morning and she should be fine.

 

[kt_mom]

I bought DD8 some deodorant this year because I noticed some odor. She is more embarressed about the deodorant than the smell. She thinks people will know she's wearing it even though I have assured her they won't but that they will start to notice the odor. I hadn't really thought of early puberty though. Guess I need ot keep an eye out for other signs.

 

[MommaSnowwhite]

My DD had the same issue. I told the Ped. & she had us see a pediatric endocronologist (I am sure I spelled that wrong). She was diagnosed with precocious puberty through blood tests. It may be worth a emntion to her doctor.

 

[MSSANDRA]

I too suggest a mention to her doctor. At the very least they might recommend a very mild to her skin product to use.

 

[kirstenb1]

My DD had the same issue. I told the Ped. & she had us see a pediatric endocronologist (I am sure I spelled that wrong). She was diagnosed with precocious puberty through blood tests. It may be worth a emntion to her doctor.

Some friends of ours' daughter had the same issue. From what I remember, the doctors slowed down the puberty. Although their dd was tall for her age, everyone was concerned that precocious puberty would pretty much stop her growing taller. OP, I'd definitely ask your pediatrician.

 

[taylor3297]

My dd 8 (will be 9 in 2 days) has trouble with armpit odor after she has been working out (Taekwondo). So we bought her Toms deodorant to help. I would go with the natural stuff for sure.

 

[cmsanto]

We had this same exact issue. I'm not one to do anything if it costs more (organic, etc) but at the suggestion of a friend I did try organic milk for one week and it cleared up. My pediatrician said that my daughter might be more sensitive to the hormones. So now I pay $5 a gallon for milk, but I figured the extra $20 bucks a month was worth it.

 

[daisyduck123]

At 6 1/2 years old, my DD needed deodorant EVERY day. If she didn't put it on, I could detect odor even a half-hour after she was out of the shower.

I spoke to her doctor about it & she said deodorant was fine for her to use. She did start puberty early & by 8 years old had as much "hair" everywhere (sorry if that's TMI) as you and I do.

 

[Erin1700]

Hi! My DD10 was diagnosed with precocious puberty at an early age. She was treated with shots but we stopped it and switched her to a sugically implanted medicine.
Body odor is a sign of pp but for some reason my DD did not have it.

Please feel free to ask me anything if you need help!

 

[WyomingMomof6]

My daughter is 7, soon to turn 8, and I started noticing strong body odor about a year ago. We started using deodorant too and it helped some. I tried the organic milk also but in her case, it really didn't make a difference. She hasn't shown any other signs of early puberty. My oldest daugher was a fairly early bloomer (although within normal range) and she never had the body odor.

 

[bearlyanne]

It could also be a thyroid issue. Definitely talk with the doc. Good luck!

 

[stephmarty]

Don't put off talking to a doctor if you have reason to suspect precocious puberty. Left untreated, pp leads to obvious emotional and physical issues including possible small stature/underdevelopment in adulthood. One recently approved treatment not only delays pp, but allows those affected to grow to full stature. I'm not sure a smelly kid after a long, hot day is too much reason for concern. But I'm not a doctor, either. Better to put your mind at ease perhaps.

 

[moonpie85]

I remember starting to wear deoderant and growing hair at age 8. My period didn't arrive until 12 though and I'm 5'8'' so I don't think it hurt my growth.


....still waiting to "blossom" though LOL

 

[VirataMama4]

I'd make an appt with her dr as soon as you can. We just went through this with DSD. Last summer when we had her we noticed that she had very bad body odor. We couldn't get her into a dr while we had her, but changed her diet to mostly hormone free and that seems to have cleared up the problem. We also got her some of the rock crystal deodorant. Her mom has her now, and says that she hasn't been having the issue since her diet change... We'll see when we get her this summer, and will make sure to take her to the dr just to have her checked.

 

[tiggger1]

my dd 8 ( will be 9 in June) just started with the deodorant. She just had her check up and the ped said it was normal for her age and any deodorant would work but to get an antiperspirant if she starts sweating alot. when I asked about the antiperspirant causing harm, she said as long as she washes it off at night and not ingesting it, it would not hurt her.

 

[princessmom29]

My DD is 8 and has been wearing deodorant for the past year or so. Frankly, she stinks after a couple hours of dance or cheer without it. She shows absolutely NO other signs of puberty, and it didn't even enter into my radar to be concerned about it. I get my period unti I was 13, and I was wearing deodorant at 8?