Help for Children With Strong Body Odors

If your child has a bad body odor, it's important to determine the cause as soon as possible. The child may have a disorder causing the problem, or it may be rooted in diet. No matter what the cause, your child may become embarrassed by the smell. Sometimes, simple changes in eating habits or better hygiene will take care of the problem.

Physical Disorders

• Body odor in children can be caused by a metabolic disorder that prevents the body from breaking down certain chemicals normally. This is due to the inability to create enzymes that break down these chemicals or because the child's body produces too many of those chemicals. The result is body odor.
  If profuse sweating is the cause of the strong smell, your child may have hyperhidrosis, defined as the production of perspiration beyond what is normal. According to Dr. Robert Needlman, this condition usually needs only a little attention to your child's hygiene. Make sure the child is being bathed daily, and use a gentle deodorant on his or her underarms.
  If your child has a fishy odor, he or she may have a condition called trimethylaminuria, which is caused by a genetic mutation. Dietary changes—for example, restricting foods that are rich in choline and avoiding certain dairy products—can be beneficial, as can charcoal supplements, acidic soaps and antibiotics.
  A pediatrician can diagnosis which malady has stricken your child. Dr. Leia Melead recommends not bathing your child the day of the appointment to allow your pediatrician to smell the odor and help make a diagnosis.

Diet

• According to Melead, the hormones used in certain milks can cause your child to develop body order. She suggests switching your child over to organic milk that is hormone-free, or using an alternative to cow's milk such as almond or rice milk.
  Other foods may also play a factor in your child's odor. You can try experimenting by avoiding certain foods, such as eggs, dairy and wheat, to see if they are the source. Ask your doctor for advice on foods to avoid.

Other Considerations

• Other possible causes of strong body odor in children are parasites and metal toxicity.
  Melead suggests using gentle, more natural products—such as baking soda or diluted apple cider vinegar—to help control your child's odor. Use baby wipes to clean the skin. Use deodorant crystals instead of traditional deodorants for underarm use, as they are more natural and tend to be safer. Talk to your pediatrician before attempting any treatments, however.