My 9 year old has recently been coming in from playing smelling awful. I hate to be so blunt, but I don't know how else to get this across. It has only been a few weeks and I have never noticed it before. We have talked to him about hygine and he showers every evening using soap and a washcloth and applies deodorant every day. After his shower he is fine, but while playing he gets very sweaty and that's when the problem begins. It is not your standard underarm b.o. but an odor that permeates a room imminating from his entire body. He is healthy and happy, just smelly when he plays. Any advice on foods that could be causing this or solutions to keeping him a little less offensive when he's playing with others? Thanks!
I had the same problem with my son..even took him to the Doctor. The Doctor told me to get him plain Dial soap and that has taken care of the problem. He also uses deodorant. Good Luck!
This is sort of in line with what the other lady said about drinking lots of water, but maybe you should have your son's kidneys checked. I read a similar letter many years ago in Ann Landers or Dear Abby, and it turned out to be a kidney problem.
Good luck!
Deodorant.
He is not too young.
Go to Whole foods and get some Chlorophyll it will cover erase all odors amazing stuff you won't need deodorant again. Good luck and it purifies and helps oxygenate the blood. Good luck. I'm sure he is entering puburty try to stay away from hormone injected meat and dairy and go organic.
it could be any number of things. Does he wear cotton clothing or nylon/unnatural clothes? Cotton is the best because it "breathes" and doesn't hold moisture in that can get smelly (like mildew). It could be something he eats that gets sweated out (I know I smell like garlic when I sweat if I've eaten a lot of garlic). It could also be his sweat mixing with the fragrance of his soap or the detergent that his clothes are washed in. It might also just be a temporary hormone/testosterone issue too. If it's that bothersome, you might call his doctor to see what he says.
Hello!
This is related to hormone changes many times. It lasts for about a year or so. Nothing works! It is just a natural "growing older" occurrence that happens to many youth today.
Merry Christmas and blessings!
Sincerely,
C. N.
Hi,
Just a hunch here, do you guys eat a lot of meat? Just my impression the more meat you eat the smellier you are. Try to get in more veggies?
M.
You may want to take him to his pediatrician. Sudden onset of body odor may mean that he is entering puberty.
He is considered overweight? I know sometimes that could cause you to sweat more than others. If not, it could be the foods that he eats.
Taking chlorophyll supplements can do wonders for eliminating body odor (though it may be some sort of a medical issue??). I have only used capsules, but there may be other ways to take it. It is also supposed to be healthy for you. There is one brand called Body Mint, but I think it's overpriced. Check it out on vitacost.com or at The Vitamin Shoppe. They have great selection and prices. By the way, it works for body odor of all kinds, including breath, gas, bowel movements (sorry, gross). It can't hurt!
You might want to take him off of dairy and sugar. I asked my dr about this problem and he gave me this recommendation. it worked for us,.
Great advice from all. I agree it could be onset of puberty, so get ready for a few more 'bumps in the road'. I will add one thing. After raising three sons, I am now raising four grandchildren incluing a grandson. I was absolutely shocked when I realized he had never learned to shower properly. Don't take anything for granted. I insisted my son be in the bathroom with him once or twice and deliberately take him through the steps of proper grooming. He still would rather play than actually wash but I threatened to stand in there and help him if he didn't follow the steps his father had taught him. Finally, at 13, we don't have any more problems with hygiene, but it took consistent reminders of why he was actually in the shower.
Hi C.,
I agree with all the previous responses, but I would also like to remind you that if he is not drinking enough plain water that could be the problem also. I work with a lady who does not drink enough water to clean out her system and she has an awful body odor. Please make sure he is drinking at least 2 8oz of plain water a day
Hi C.,
Oh I know this all too well as just about any mother who has had to raise a precious young man into this world. Here's my tidbits. Make sure the deodorant is an antiperspirant, and don't be afraid to try different brands and types (ex. rollon v dry stick, etc.) until you find the one that suits his body; for those smelly feet invest in foot sprays for shoes; make sure dirty clothes don't remain in the room; take him shopping with you and have him help pick out a shower gel and body spray. There are countless brands and sets (affordable) at Walmart, Target, etc. Food wise I can't tell you other than garlic and curry have a way of seeping through your pores if you eat it frequently. Anyway, that's just my tidbits.
Years and years ago a dermatologist told me that body odor has to do with bacteria living in the sweat glands, and that while a deodorant may mask the smell, it won't get rid of the problem. What she did recommend was taking a vitamin B complex pill daily (in addition to showering and using unscented soap). Though I have had great success with this method, you should probably talk to your son's doctor before home-medicating.
Now days, children seem to be starting their hormonal changes in 4-5 grade, so he may be hitting that time..........if you have doubts, get it checked out with your dr. to make sure.
