Can you remove the child's body odor using deodorant?

The body odor of children usually starts to appear as soon as they enter puberty. In addition, there are many other things that can cause a child to have body odor - for example due to poor food or hygiene and clothing. If you have this, can you get rid of body odor using deodorant for children?

Can you get rid of your child's body odor using deodorant?

Puberty causes various physical changes in your child. They grow taller, girls begin to develop breasts, and teenage boys' voices are getting heavy and bassy. Puberty also causes children to start growing fine hairs on the body. As your armpit hair grows, you may notice your child's body odor that is distinctive and different than usual.

Girls' puberty usually occurs between the ages of 8 and 13, while boys start when they are between 9 and 14 years of age. However, as reported by Kids Health, there is actually no specific age limit when children should or may start using deodorants to get rid of body odor.

If your child is anxious or worried about sweat and body odor, you can recommend them to start using deodorants. Deodorant gets rid of sweat odor by covering it up, while it features antiperspirant (antiperspirant on the label) works to stop or dry out the sweat.

Again, there is no specific age when children can start using deodorants, but they should read and follow the instructions for use. Some deodorants work better at night, while others recommend using them in the morning.

Choosing a child-safe deodorant

There aren't many deodorants on the market that are specifically designed for children, so you may want to consider using products marketed for teens or teens.

In addition to choosing products that are age-appropriate, don't forget to read the label description on the deodorant packaging for children. Avoid ingredients that contain aluminum chloride, aluminum zirconium, parabens and propylene glycol which can constrict and stop the sweat glands.

Then before your child uses deodorant, you should first read the rules of use printed on the packaging. Then, teach your child how to use it and show them where to store the deodorant. If deodorant for children causes an allergic reaction, stop using it immediately.

Another safer alternative is to make your own natural deodorant at home. All you need to do is mix 1/4 cup baking soda and arrowroot powder with 4 tablespoons coconut oil, and 1/4 teaspoon essential oil (such as tea tree oil or lavender oil). Then stir until blended while heating then place into a container that can be closed tightly.

Don't just use deodorant to get rid of your child's body odor

Even so, using deodorant alone is not enough to get rid of body odor in children. Reporting from Parents, Wendy Sue Swanson, M.D., family counselor and pediatrician at Seattle Children's Hospital, believes that parents still have to teach and give responsibility to children to always keep their bodies clean.

Some of the principles of personal hygiene that you need to teach your child, include:

Shower every day - especially in the morning
Shower after exercise or other sweat-inducing activity
Wash all parts of the body, including the armpits, genitals, and feet when they shower
Wear clean underwear, socks, and clothing every day
Wearing loose cotton clothing that can help absorb sweat
Put on deodorant

Parents also need to pay more attention to what their children eat. This is because some foods are known to trigger body odor, such as garlic.

Deodorants will not work effectively on body odor caused by certain conditions or diseases. So, consult further with the doctor to find out the cause and treatment if the child's body odor still appears even though they have done the various methods above.