Armpit Odor in Children

While usually found in children entering puberty, children as young as 5 years old (or even younger) may have armpit odor. Parents look for safe, effective treatments to help their children live without this malady and the embarrassment it brings.

Sweat

• It may be surprising to hear that perspiration has no smell. There are two types of perspiration the body produces: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine is clear and odorless. It is the sweat that covers our bodies. It regulates body temperatures. Apocrine is thicker, and that is what you'll find on your underarms, scalp and groin areas. This does not cause body odor. Body odor results from bacteria that emerge when sweat cannot evaporate easily, in places like the armpits.

Premature Adrenarche

• Premature adrenarche might be a part of the problem. Premature adrenarche starts at a very young age. While the onset of puberty may begin at the age of 8, premature adrenarche begins before then. The hormones that probably cause this situation are DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate). The child will have curly (not straight) pubic hair, and possibly other symptoms such as body hair and a strong odor.

Sweaty Underarms

• Axillary hyperhidrosis is sweaty armpits. This condition is usually accompanied by excessive hand sweating. Axillary hyperhidrosis may occur in the presence of stimuli like emotional distress and anxiety, but often it doesn't have to be triggered by them. The sympathetic nerves that control the activity of the sweat glands produce an excessive amount of sweat and this leads to sweaty underarms.

Options at Home

• Some parents prefer natural remedies rather than more mainstream options. Try this recipe for deodorant. Mix equal parts of witch hazel, aloe vera and mineral water. You can also add 1 tsp of glycerin along with good-smelling oil. Mix it in a spray bottle.

  Bacteria thrives between toes. Dry your child's feet and other crevices thoroughly after bathing. Dry his feet thoroughly after bathing. Use unperfumed, natural powders such as cornstarch or baking soda, as those powders help dry sweat.

  Get your children shoes and socks made of natural materials: Shoes made of natural materials, such as leather or a mesh material can help prevent sweaty feet by allowing feet to breathe. Change her socks twice a day, drying her feet when changing socks. Keep a pair of underwear handy, so you can, when appropriate, change your child's underwear, or even clothes during the day. Reapply deodorant during the day. Natural, loose fabrics such as cotton allow your child's skin to breathe--colors like white or black are best at hiding sweat. There are odor-fighting laundry ingredients. A well-balanced diet can work wonders.

Commercial Options

• If you inhibit production of apocrine sweat, and so limit bacteria on the skin, you can prevent body odor. There are many treatment options, such as daily washing with an antibacterial soap. Benzoyl peroxide, found in many acne cleansers, is strongly antibacterial. Rubbing alcohol is an excellent choice because of its antibacterial properties. Witch hazel and hydrogen peroxide have properties similar to rubbing alcohol. Aluminum-based chemicals are in almost every antiperspirant, which stop you from sweating because they block the pores of the apocrine glands. Watch for irritation or contact dermatitis. If you decide the good outweighs the bad when it comes to antiperspirant, look for gentle, perfume-free options.