A strong and unpleasant body odor in children could indicate a serious medical condition, or it could be related to diet or hygiene practices. Most children do not begin to develop body odor until puberty, at the age of about eight or nine years old. Body odor in children younger than about eight could indicate a metabolic dysfunction, early-onset puberty, hyperhydrosis, or phenylketonuria. Some physicians believe that the hormones and additives in non-organic milk can cause body odor in children. If no other cause for body odor can be found in a young child, then the cause may be dietary, and some experimentation with the removal of certain foods from the child's diet may be in order.
Some physicians believe dietary problems can cause body odor in children in the absence of any health problems. Some parents have successfully eliminated childhood body odor by giving their children organic milk, almond milk, or rice milk instead of non-organic cow's milk. Food such as corn, meat, wheat, eggs, and cheese can also contribute to childhood body odor. Removing one or some of these foods from the diet may help to resolve the condition.
Metabolic dysfunction may be among the most serious causes of body odor in children. Disorders of this nature generally need swift and thorough medical treatment. Children who are suffering a metabolic dysfunction will also usually have other symptoms in addition to body odor. These symptoms will normally be severe, such as seizures.
Hyperhydrosis, a condition that causes excessive perspiration, is another common cause of strong body odor in children. This condition is usually not considered serious. Treatment typically involves giving the child extra baths and encouraging the use of a gentle underarm deodorant. Apple cider vinegar, baking soda, or an infusion of sage are generally considered safe and effective deodorants for young children. Some physicians recommend avoiding the use of deodorants intended for adults, since these products can be toxic to very young children.
Phenylketonuria is another medical condition that can cause body odor in children and infants. Children with this disorder lack the ability to assimilate the amino acid known as phenylalanine. The body odor associated with this condition is usually described as mustier than the body odor one associates with adult sweat.
One of the most common causes of body odor in young children may be early-onset puberty. Most children don't begin to show the first signs of puberty until at least eight or nine years of age. Early-onset puberty usually causes additional symptoms, indicative of puberty, such as the appearance of secondary sex characteristics like facial or body hair. Early-onset puberty can cause severe complications, including problems with appropriate growth.
