Understanding Early Perspiration in Children: Causes & Hygiene Tips

Children, like adults, sweat on a daily basis. However, young children typically do not have a strong odor along with perspiration until they enter puberty. When children begin perspiring at a young age, caregivers can help children learn proper hygiene to reduce noticeable smells.

Significance

• Adolescent perspiration usually coincides with the beginning of puberty.

Time Frame

• Boys typically enter puberty around the age of 9 and girl around the age of 11; however, girls can enter puberty as young as 6 years old in some cases. Some children may start to experience increased perspiration even before puberty, according to the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital.

Effects

• Puberty hormones trigger sweat glands to become more active and also cause the sweat to be stronger smelling than before puberty.

Geography

• Increased perspiration may be especially noticed under the arms and in the genital area.

Prevention/Solution

• Showering daily with soap and always wearing clean underclothes and socks can decrease noticeable body odor. Adolescents can begin using deodorant under their arms to cover up body odors or antiperspirants to prevent or absorb excess perspiration.