7 Tips to Help Manage Teen Body Odor

One of the first noticeable signs that your child is entering puberty might not be a growth spurt—it might be a stronger body odor. Whether it’s after a long day at school, a sports practice, or just sitting in their room, that “tween scent” is perfectly normal and signals that their body is maturing. 

Every child develops at their own pace, but body odor often begins around ages 8 to 9 as puberty starts. This change happens because of new activity in the apocrine sweat glands, which begin to release sweat mixed with natural oils. When that sweat meets bacteria on the skin, it produces odor—especially in areas like the armpits, feet, and groin.

During puberty, hormones trigger changes in the skin’s oil production and sweat composition. These changes are healthy and expected, but they can lead to noticeable smells, particularly where new hair growth occurs. The good news? A few simple hygiene habits can make a big difference.

1. Soap and Water Are Your Best Friends

Encourage your child to wash daily with soap and warm water—especially under the arms, on the feet, and around the groin. This helps remove sweat, oil, and odor-causing bacteria. Shampooing regularly is also important since the scalp can produce sweat and oil too.

 

2. Encourage Regular Showers

Most pre-teens and teens benefit from showering daily or every other day, particularly if they’re active in sports. If your child has a skin condition such as eczema, check with their pediatrician about the best routine and products for their skin type.

 

3. Introduce Deodorant 

Deodorants help mask or neutralize odors. If your teen has sensitive skin, look for labels like “fragrance-free,” “hypoallergenic,” or “for sensitive skin.” There are also plenty of aluminum-free options for families who prefer them. If you make picking out their deodorant a fun activity they can participate in, it can help encourage their sense of responsibility and self-expression.  

Quick tip: Scented body sprays may smell nice, but they don’t actually prevent odor—they just cover it up temporarily.

 

4. Don’t Skip Socks

Feet can be one of the strongest odor zones. Encourage your teen to wear cotton or moisture-wicking socks and change them often, especially after sports or exercise. If your teen is fond of loafers or boat shoes, look for socks labeled “no show” to pair with them as these are often big culprits for no socks. 

 

5. Choose Breathable Fabrics

Clothing made from natural materials such as cotton, linen, or wool allows the skin to breathe and helps reduce trapped sweat and heat. Encourage your teen to change clothes after getting sweaty.

 

6. Keep Laundry Fresh

Remind your child to place dirty clothes (especially sports uniforms) in the laundry right away. Clean clothes go a long way toward keeping body odor under control.

 

7. Have Open Conversations

It’s easy for tweens and teens to feel embarrassed about odor or hygiene. Try to keep the topic light and supportive, and remind them that everyone goes through it. After all, these changes are a normal part of growing up.

 

When to Talk to Your Pediatrician

Body odor is typically just one of many normal puberty changes. However, there are a few signs you might need to look into. If your teen experiences any of the following, consult your pediatrician:

• The odor seems unusually strong or persists despite good hygiene
• Excessive sweating interferes with their daily life or causes emotional distress
• You notice signs of puberty (like body odor, underarm hair, or breast development) before age 8 

In some cases, your pediatrician may recommend testing for medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis, which causes excessive sweating, or discuss treatment options to help your child feel more comfortable. 

For questions, to book an appointment, or any other concerns, Augusta Pediatrics can be reached at (706) 868-0389. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.