Back to last page

Children's Health
20722
Children
My daughter is almost 5 years old, and she already perspires with an odor. She's very active. But I wash her underarm area very well, morning and night. Should she be wearing deodorant? What else can I do?
My daughter is almost 5 years old, and she already perspires with an odor. She's very active. But I wash her underarm area very well, morning and night. Should she be wearing deodorant? What else can I do?
htmASKTHEDOC4yearoldsweating
In rare cases, perspiration with an odor can be a sign of early puberty. If your daughter has any breast development, or any pubic hair or hair under her arms, you should make an appointment to see a doctor right away.
1400023
InteliHealth
2011-05-11
t
Claire McCarthy, M.D.
2013-05-11
.
Ask The Expert
Harvard Medical School
.
Image of a cadeusus
. .
General Medical Questions
.
Q: My daughter is almost 5 years old, and she already perspires with an odor. She's very active. But I wash her underarm area very well, morning and night. Should she be wearing deodorant? What else can I do?
.
.
.
The Trusted Source
.
.
Claire McCarthy, M.D.

Claire McCarthy, M.D., a senior medical editor for Harvard Health Publications, is an assistant professor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. She is an attending physician at Children's Hospital Boston.

.
.
May 11, 2011
.
A:

In rare cases, perspiration with an odor can be a sign of early puberty. If your daughter has any breast development, or any pubic hair or hair under her arms, you should make an appointment to see a doctor right away.

Most likely, this is nothing to be worried about. I have seen this in many patients. Washing her underarms with antibacterial soap may help. (The smell is related to bacteria in the skin.)

A couple of my patients were helped by using an antibiotic lotion (one usually prescribed for acne). You can talk to your doctor about this.

Deodorant isn't usually necessary, but it is an option. Look for one that is only deodorant. You don't want one that is a deodorant and an antiperspirant. The deodorant should also be as hypoallergenic and natural as possible.

If the problem continues, call your doctor for advice.

.
.
InteliHealth
.
Ask A Question
.
.
InteliHealth
Do You Have A Question?
.
. . .
.
Ask The Expert Archives
Topics
.
InteliHealth
.
InteliHealth

   
4581, 7996, 8487,
7996