Isn't 8 years old a little young?

@lilybug (21107)
United States
July 22, 2008 12:52pm CST
My son is 8 years old and has already developed body odor. He needs to wear deodorant everyday otherwise when he starts to sweat he stinks the place up. Isn't 8 years old a little young to need deodorant?
5 people like this
13 responses
@shooie (4984)
• United States
22 Jul 08
Smell Fresh Deodorant - Some kids develope glads a lot faster
No it isn't. My one neice was wearing deodorant when she was in first grade. Her mom at one of her doctor visits for school asked about it and well some kids develeope there glands a lot faster than some.
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
22 Jul 08
He will be going into 3rd grade and has been wearing deodorant for about 6 months.
1 person likes this
@shooie (4984)
• United States
22 Jul 08
If it is a great concern take him to the doctors see what he says
1 person likes this
• Philippines
22 Jul 08
Yes he really is young to developed such a thing but it is not that impossible. What you need to do is to analyze his diet. Body smells could be developed with the type of food that we eat. You also need to observe if your son is indeed very healthy. Illness can be one of the caused of body odors (e.g. bad breath can be a result of bad dental hygiene but also of tuberculosis). Is your son obese? Excessive sweat can indeed make your son smell. Are the clothes he wears properly washed and dried? This can also be an effect. Deduce all options first. Good luck
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
22 Jul 08
He is actually almost too skinny, but he sweats like a pig.
1 person likes this
@jillbeth (2705)
• United States
22 Jul 08
It sounds a bit young but some people's individual body chemistry causes them to have BO to a larger degree than others. Also, people who eat a lot of strongly flavored foods like garlic and onion will have a tendency to have BO. There are also some diseases that are characterized by an unusually strong BO. If you haven't already done so, it might be a good idea to have your doctor check him out, just to be on the safe side.
2 people like this
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
22 Jul 08
I knew a lady that no matter how well she washed and what type of deodorant she wore she still had BO.
1 person likes this
@irishidid (8688)
• United States
22 Jul 08
It is a bit out of the ordinary, but I've seen eleven year old girls who look like they are 16. So anything is possible. Just buy him the deodorant and stress cleanliness to him.
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@lilybug (21107)
• United States
22 Jul 08
He has stick and spray deodorant that he uses, but I have to remind him to use it still.
1 person likes this
@neelygal (1022)
• Bahamas
23 Jul 08
I would think the same thing.My oldest son is 10 and he has to wear deodorant more than me because he has very high body odor.I guess these kids are maturing faster than we realise.Avon has deodorant for kids,that is where I get my sons from.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 08
Hi Lilybug, The reason that he has a odor is from bacteria. I would buy him anitbacterial bath soap. You will notice a big differnece in a few days. Make sure that he uses this soap everyday! Uses a clean wash clothe everytime. Make sure to tell him to rinse well. Hope that this helps!
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
22 Jul 08
Thanks for the suggestion. He uses the little kid smelling stuff now.
2 people like this
• United States
19 Oct 08
Thank you very much for the best response... I hope that the aduice I gave ya helped!
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
22 Jul 08
I agree that it's a bit young but we are all unique individuals and if his body starts making these odors he is in need of a deodorant of some kind. It could also be a bacterial infection like someone stated before. Make sure he washes his armpits well and you might want to stay clear for regular soap. I know people who got infections from bathing with hand soaps so if that's the case that might be why his arm pits have this odor. There are very mild deodorants out there. If he does get one I would advise to get one that is marked skin friendly and has the least kind of chemicals. You can also try a herbal shop as they have very skin friendly and natural deodorants that work wonders too. Good luck!
@ersmommy1 (12588)
• United States
3 Aug 08
I don't think it is that unusual. Some girls get their period by 9. You are handling it correctly. Don't let him get self conscience about it. And it will be fine. In a year or 2 the other kids will start and it will be no big deal.
• United States
22 Jul 08
I believe 8 years old should be to young to need deodorant, but now adays these things are normal. Girls as young as 9 are getting their periods. In fact I got mine when i was 10 and had 36 D by the time i was 11. Im not sure whats happening with the children and their homones today. Though I read an article blaming all the hormones in the milk and meat (but that sounds like a load of BS). Im sure your son is just fine and just developed a whole lot sooner than most of his peers. If your that worried I suggest taking him to the doctor. Better safe than sorry!
@celticeagle (157593)
• Boise, Idaho
23 Jul 08
Have you checked with a doctor regarding this issue? There may be something else going on.
• Malaysia
3 Aug 08
I agree 8 years old is too young to need a deodorant. Kindly check his diet first. Avoid butter,rootbeer and refined food. Give him more fresh fruits and vegetables. My son used to suffer from bad breath since he was a baby. I did not know what my mother feed him. Slowly the bad breath disappeard after I checked his diet and also used foot pads to remove toxin from his body.
@kiley4 (72)
• United States
23 Jul 08
I think it seems young but I think I and my sister were around that age when we needed deodorant as well. All kids have a different developmental rate. I can't say it's too young. As was mentioned some girls get their periods as young as 8. Is it too young? Apparently not, or they wouldn't have gotten their period. I think you're doing the right thing - disciplining him in the manner in which to deal with the situation. While his glands are eight years old and ready to work, his brain is eight years young and still trying to remember what he needs versus the very strong wants. Keep reminding him. He'll hit an age when it's important and then you won't have to remind him. LOL He'll then remind you when he needs a new one which will feel like everyday to you.:) Enjoy these times with your son.
1 person likes this
@singlemommy (2955)
• United States
23 Jul 08
My daughter is 7 and she has already developed body odor as well. I've already started her wearing deodorant as well. I guess there isn't really an age that is too young. We are being responsible and caring parents by giving them deodorant to wear so others don't have to smell the body odor or so other kids won't make fun of them because of the odor. That's they way I look at it. Happy MyLotting!
1 person likes this