Sweat is something completely normal, even among children, it is unless there are situations of 'hyperhidrosis' (excessive sweating), or apocrine sweating (when secretions smell bad).
And it is that sweat plays an important role for the functioning of our body, since it helps maintain body temperature, allowing it to cool slightly, when the moisture it causes evaporates.
Normally we sweat when we are hot, or when we make an effort (including sports), but don't you think you sweat more abundantly when you are nervous? In this case, emotions affect the sweat glands. Some experts have calculated that sweat begins to regulate by four or five years, and they say 'regular' because we sweat, we sweat since we are babies, because we are hot or because we make efforts (I still remember how my son was sweating on the day of his birth after he was mistakenly put on two pajamas, with the heat that was inside of the hospital!).
Increased activity of the glands during pre adolescence and adolescence
With the changes that the body begins to experience when puberty arrives (12/13 years in girls, 13/14 years in boys, although there are small ones in which it starts earlier), the sweat glands (we have about three million in the body ) 'work more'.
AdvertisingThe changes are linked to a probable greater physical activity by the practice of sports. What causes the bad smell is not the liquid we secrete, but the combination between it and the bacteria found in the skin, and this is evident especially in armpits, English and soles of the feet.
Upon reaching this age children should understand that 'sweat more' is part of a set of changes that include hair growth in the pubis, widening of the hips (girls) and shoulders (boys), etc..
Although the onset of puberty is established at an approximate age, there are children in whom hormonal changes can begin earlier, but it would not be 'normal' for this type of sweating (with a pungent odor) to occur in small children eight year old
But not all situations are normal, let's see two very clear examples
Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis:
It occurs when the body 'manufactures' more sweat than it needs to adjust the temperature. It can also affect children with the consequent physical and social discomfort that this fact may entail (sweaty hands while writing or suddenly wet armpits having to read aloud). The quality of life of people suffering from this problem may be affected.
Although sweat production can be controlled, there are times when you should consult your pediatrician or dermatologist to evaluate each case and offer a solution.
There is an important fact to keep in mind, hyperhidrosis is aggravated in people who are overweight: one more reason to take care of our children's food.
Apocrine axillary sweating in children:
This is the name of the production of sweat with smell when it occurs in young children (under eight or nine years old). It may be due to a process of 'early adrenarche', according to which they would be presented signs of puberty in young children. In these cases it is even more important to consult a doctor.
Some (possible) tips to combat some of the problems associated with sweat in children:
Hygiene is essential, and care can be accentuated when children play sports. The daily shower is essential, and it often helps to have the possibility of partially washing the affected areas (at another time of the day) to complement the shower.
Many pediatricians accept the use of deodorants, and even antiperspirants, to minimize the fact that sweat is very uncomfortable for children. I am sure that I would not like my children to start using antiperspirants very soon, because I do not think they are completely harmless products (and even more so in the case of children).
As for deodorants, I would read the ingredients list carefully, or go to a dietitian to make sure that the composition is completely natural. But I think that first of all we must provide them with good hygiene, and there are partial solutions to use when they are away from home, (like a small towel that can be stored dampened in slightly soapy water, inside a small bag, to wash hands, or feet, or armpits)
To help the skin perspire, it is better use natural fabrics (cotton or linen, for example) before synthetic garments. In addition, the latter further aggravate the bad smell caused by sweat.
He excess of copious, spicy or spicy foods, can act as a trigger.
Finally I would like to remember that when we sweat we lose liquids, and with them also mineral salts, that is why we must provide them with good hydration, taking special care in this hot season.
