What causes a child to have odor under one arm?

Body odor in children is usually caused by the same thing that causes it in adults: bacteria. Bacteria that live on your skin feed on sweat and produce a waste product that has a strong odor. Body odor is most common in areas where there are a lot of sweat glands, such as the armpits, groin, and feet.

In children, body odor usually begins around puberty, when the body begins to produce more hormones. These hormones cause the sweat glands to become larger and more active, which can lead to more body odor. There are a number of things that can contribute to body odor in children, including: Poor hygiene: Not bathing regularly or not washing the underarms and groin area thoroughly can allow bacteria to build up and cause body odor. Excessive sweating: Some children sweat more than others, which can increase the risk of body odor. Certain foods: Eating certain foods, such as garlic, onions, and spices, can cause body odor. Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as diabetes and thyroid problems, can cause body odor. If your child has body odor, there are a number of things you can do to help them manage it:

Encourage them to bathe regularly and wash their underarms and groin area thoroughly with soap and water.

Have them wear clean clothes, especially after they have been sweating.

Use an antibacterial soap or body wash to help kill bacteria.

Apply a deodorant or antiperspirant to their underarms.

Talk to your doctor if your child's body odor is severe or does not improve with these measures.