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Children's health

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6 year old suddenly smells of sweat every day

6 replies

Freo45 · 20/08/2021 23:09

Hello

Ive noticed in the last month or so that my 6yo (6+2 months) smells strongly of sweat by the afternoon. She smells of adult sweat, like BO type smell. Is this normal at 6? She has never been a sweaty kid. My other child is often visibly sweaty after a good run round but never smells.

In addition and possibly unrelated, she has lost just under a kg since March. I looked her height/ weight up on the growth chart for first time in years and she came up as 10th centile when she always used to be just under 50th. She has gradually stretched over the years though and gone from a chubbier toddler to a long skinny thing!

Would any of the above concern you? Husband thinks I'm worrying about nothing, she looks fine, seems well and the sweating is just because it's summer!! I just have a feeling it isn't right. Thanks in advance!

OP posts:
TeanupFlutter · 20/08/2021 23:20

My 6yo DD was been like this for a few months on and off. I suspect its hormonal as it's not all the time and not necessarily when she's been physically active. I got her a deoderant which has helped although she's not used it during the holidays and I've not noticed a smell. I suspect the polyester type summer dresses for school didn't help.

I was surprised it was happening already but my ds's were the same at around 7-8 and girls do seem to mature earlier.

MissM2912 · 20/08/2021 23:32

My second daughter has been a bit smelly from she was 8. Needs a shower or bath everyday and uses a soft and gentle roll on deodorant

Scoutingformygirls · 20/08/2021 23:35

Losing weight unintentionally should always be investigated.

I would make an appointment with the GP to chat through what you've said here.

Your gut instinct is vital in parenting, always listen to it.

muffindays · 20/08/2021 23:36

my DS has had this from around age 7 onwards. I think they do have the odd hormone surge, I took him to the GP but the GP told me that it was likely just bacteria on the skin aggravated by the heat (and it is summer at the moment) rather than anything more sinister. He also has slightly smelly hair / greasy hair we have to wash a bit more frequently, again part of the same thing. We use the crystal stick rock deodorant after a bath which has been great. Might be worth a quick call to the GP just to check with them if you can be bothered. More than likely nothing to worry about.

Freo45 · 21/08/2021 08:44

Thanks so much. It's reassuring to hear it's not totally out of the ordinary. I would have been less worried at 8 or even 7 but just turned 6 seems really young to be developing in any way! She does have a bath every night but Im not sure how well the armpits actually get washed so I have got her to use a flannel and actually wash herself now rather than just splashing about!

Good point with mother's instinct though. I think I will call GP. One of benefits of current GP situation is that I don't have to bring her in I can just call on her behalf. I really didn't want to draw any attention to it if I didn't have to as don't want her to worry!

OP posts:
Sunshinegirl82 · 21/08/2021 15:34

A strange smell combined with weightloss would make me a bit nervous about diabetes, has she got any of the other symptoms? Tiredness? Thirst?

I would get her checked out by the GP though to be safe.

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