Could my kid really have body odor?

Many parents might not know when to expect body odor to begin as their children grow up. Although it's not the most pleasant topic in the world, it is a fact of life. In some cases, children -- particularly boys -- can begin experiencing body odor as early as the age of 7. We talked to Dr. Kip Frizzell, Le Bonheur's director of coordination of care and local pediatrician, on the topic. Here's what he had to say.

"Naturally occurring bacteria on the skin, not sweat, is what creates the dreaded stench commonly known as BO. As children approach puberty, hormones cause an increase in sweating which then results in body odor. There's no reason for concern and parents can resolve the problem through good hygiene.

If you notice this smell on your child, you can begin to use a deodorant. Deodorants work by making the skin a more acidic, unfriendly environment for the bacteria. Non-natural commercial deodorants contain several ingredients that might be of concern to some parents. If that's the case for you, you can always use a natural deodorant. Natural deodorants do not include any chemicals and are a great starting place for kids. They can be found at drug stores and health food stores.

In addition to using a natural deodorant, showering daily after outside play or sports is good practice. Another way to control BO is by having your child wear breathable cotton fabrics which absorb sweat in a way synthetics don't. If your child still has BO after these tips, ask their physician to check for possible reasons."