Does Your Kid Stink?
DECODING YOUR CHILD'S ODORS: WHAT THEY MEAN AND HOW TO RESPOND
Kids have all kinds of funky smells. Most of them can be handled with just soap, water, a toothbrush. and toothpaste. However, some may signal health problems. The question is: where's the smell?
Mouth
If your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ brushes their teeth regularly and is properly hydrated, the source of bad breath could be tonsils, but more likely it's due to post-nasal drainage. Look in your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ's mouth: If the tonsils are red, swollen or have white spots—or if your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ has nasal issues—see a doctor.
Ears
Ear wax has a smell, but it's normally not pronounced enough to be noticed. If you do notice a sour smell, or there's pus coming out of your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ's ears, it's probably an infection.
Armpits
Armpit sweat glands are underdeveloped until puberty, but that doesn't mean younger kids won't stink after physical activity. Often the smell is resolved with a bath. Armpit odor is due to bacteria, sweat, and hormone changes.
Vagina
Young girls and infants may have a normal vaginal odor. Diapers can make it stronger. However, symptoms like a powerful odor, redness, itching, or pain could indicate vulvovaginitis, common among prepubertal Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵren due to concentrated urine and soap residue.
Feet
Kids' feet perspire more than adults. More sweat means more bacteria, as well as more odors. In 10-15% of kids, those odors may be severe. Keep their feet clean and change socks. Also, make sure their shoes are made of breathable materials.
Poor hygiene can be the cause of many bad smells. It can also lead to other issues like infections. “Make sure your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ is bathing regularly and washing their hands several times, especially before eating or after using the bathroom," says Cindy Gellner, MD, a pediatrician at Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ of Utah Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ.
When Does Your Child Really Need Lab Work?
Parents often ask about blood tests during routine pediatric visits, but pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, clarifies that healthy Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵren rarely need them. She shares some of the criteria for screenings in young patients and how insurance factors into decision-making.
What to Do When Your Baby Sounds Congested
Newborns cannot blow their noses, and they are not great at breathing through their mouths either—so even a little mucus can sound dramatic. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, shares what is normal when it comes to newborn sneezing and snorting, how to use saline and suction safely, and when to check in with your pediatrician.
Understanding Childhood Mood Disorders Beyond Bipolar
Is your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ often irritable or prone to temper outbursts? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, clarifies the distinctions between bipolar disorder and Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis in Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵhood mood disorders.
