Does Your Kid Stink?
Does Your Kid Stink?
DECODING YOUR CHILD'S ODORS: WHAT THEY MEAN AND HOW TO RESPOND
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.
What That Smell Means: A Parent's Guide to Child Odors
Kids can be messy, sweaty, and occasionally smelly. But some odors may point to a medical issue instead of just needing a bath. Learn what is usually harmless, what simple fixes may help at home, and when certain smells could signal infections, constipation, diabetes, or other concerns worth checking out.
When Does My Child Need to Go to the ER for a Nose Injury?
Does your child's nose seem to be a trauma magnet, constantly getting bumped, bruised, and bloodied? It is pretty typical for kids to hurt their noses as they play and explore. Learn when you should treat your child's injured nose at home and when it is time to go to the doctor.
How to Treat Your Child's Cold Sore
Cold sores are common in adults, but they can surprise parents when they appear in children. Caused by the herpes simplex virus, these painful blisters often return during illness, stress, or fatigue. Learn when to ask your doctor about prescription treatment.
Is Your Child Peeing Too Often? Frequent Urination in Young Children Explained
Your preschooler suddenly needs the bathroom every few minutes—but seems otherwise fine. While alarming for parents, this common phase is often harmless and linked to stress, routine changes, or bladder habits rather than disease. Learn the warning signs that deserve medical attention and how reassurance often becomes the best treatment.
Treating Your Child's "Barking Cough" at Home
Has your child got a bad cough that almost sounds like a seal? Hearing a child with croup is concerning to any parent. Learn about at-home treatments, how a pediatrician can help, and when it is time to go to the ER.
My Child Has Night Terrors—What Can I Do?
It can be hard to watch your child have night terrors—when they scream and cry inconsolably at night. Although night terrors usually stop eventually, learn to recognize signs that it may be something more serious, and when you should take your child to the doctor.
How to Make Your Child Comfortable While They Recover From the Flu
If your child comes down with the flu, there is, unfortunately, not much you can do except make them comfortable and wait for the virus to run its course. Learn what foods your child should eat, how much water they should drink, their medications, and when they can go back to school.
