Does Your Kid Stink?

Kids have all kinds of funky smells. Most of them can be handled with just soap, water, a toothbrush. and toothpaste. However, some may signal health problems. The question is: where's the smell?

Mouth
If your child brushes their teeth regularly and is properly hydrated, the source of bad breath could be tonsils, but more likely it's due to post-nasal drainage. Look in your child's mouth: If the tonsils are red, swollen or have white spots—or if your child has nasal issues—see a doctor.

Ears
Ear wax has a smell, but it's normally not pronounced enough to be noticed. If you do notice a sour smell, or there's pus coming out of your child's ears, it's probably an infection.

Armpits
Armpit sweat glands are underdeveloped until puberty, but that doesn't mean younger kids won't stink after physical activity. Often the smell is resolved with a bath. Armpit odor is due to bacteria, sweat, and hormone changes.

Vagina
Young girls and infants may have a normal vaginal odor. Diapers can make it stronger. However, symptoms like a powerful odor, redness, itching, or pain could indicate vulvovaginitis, common among prepubertal children due to concentrated urine and soap residue.

Feet
Kids' feet perspire more than adults. More sweat means more bacteria, as well as more odors. In 10-15% of kids, those odors may be severe. Keep their feet clean and change socks. Also, make sure their shoes are made of breathable materials.

Poor hygiene can be the cause of many bad smells. It can also lead to other issues like infections. “Make sure your child is bathing regularly and washing their hands several times, especially before eating or after using the bathroom," says Cindy Gellner, MD, a pediatrician at University of Utah Health.