Teens and the small matter of body odour

Sweat may seem like some unusual disorder, although in actual sense it is perfectly normal to sweat as it helps maintain body temperature by cooling it down.

What you need to know:

  • Teenagers need to practise personal hygiene by taking a shower daily and wearing a deodorant if need be as a way of combating odour and looking presentable before others.
  • With a clean body, clean teeth, clean hair, clean clothes and shoes, teenagers will feel good about themselves and their friends will be comfortable to stay near them.
  • As a parent, you have a responsibility of guiding your child towards the right step and instilling in them good personal hygiene basics that will last them a lifetime.

Dear Doc,

My children do not like taking a shower and bath time is usually battle time no matter how much I talk to them on the importance of good hygiene. I am really concerned of what will happen to them when they become teenagers and I am no longer the one to bathe them. Kindly advise on what to do.

Esther.

Dear Esther,

Thanks for your question. As a mother, it can be frustrating to deal with a child who does not like to shower. Some children do not like to bathe because they are with their friends, are too busy playing or they just don’t like bath time.

One of the best ways to help your teens cultivate proper personal hygiene is to teach them responsible body care when they are still young. Capture your child’s attention and make bath time an interesting moment by providing nice-smelling soaps, shampoos or a special wash cloth.

Establish specific time for bathing and make sure that bath time does not coincide with their playing hours because disrupting them can make them perceive bathing as punishment.

*****

Dear Doc,

I am 14 years old and really struggling with bad odour that comes from my feet, especially after I remove shoes. How do I handle this?

Kenneth

Dear Kenneth,

Bad odour can really make you uncomfortable, especially when you have to remove shoes in the presence of other people.

This happens because of the fact that you spend most of the time on your feet and your shoes are in close contact with a body part that has a very large collection of sweat glands; your foot. Once sweat gets into the shoes, bacteria thrive in the moist fabric or leather environment.

To avoid bad odour, air your shoes as soon as you remove them, or alternatively have an extra pair of shoes for wearing on alternate days to allow the other pair time to dry well.

Be sure to keep your shoes clean by washing them regularly to reduce chances of smelly feet. In addition, wash your feet at least once a day and dry them thoroughly, particularly between the toes, using a small and dry towel.

*****

Dear Doc,

The time of my periods is usually a very uncomfortable time for me. I am always worried that people can smell bad odour coming from me and I avoid being in public places. What can I do to make period time comfortable and normal?

Fay

Dear Fay,

You are right, this can be a time of concern, especially on how to stay clean during those uncomfortable days. It is only natural for a woman to be concerned with odour during menstruation even though often this odour is only noticeable to her. The following tips will help you feel and stay clean during this time of month:

  • Choose a brand of sanitary towels that keeps you comfortable, prevents staining and keeps you clean and dry all through the day.
  • Change sanitary towels regularly according to your needs. Women with heavy flow might need to change more often than those with light flow. Even in cases where the pad may not be completely used — normally during the days when a woman has a lesser flow — you need to change at regular intervals to avoid bad odour.
  • Wash the areas surrounding the inner and outer parts of your genitals regularly before you put on a new pad. If you are not able to wash ensure to wipe off the areas with a tissue. This helps to beat bad smell from the vaginal area.
  • When you have your periods, be ready with on-the-go stuff like tampons, sanitary pads and some tissues. These should be properly stored in a clean paper bag or pouch, and are essential as you will need to change pads when you are outdoors.

As you go through your periods and the challenges that come with them, it is crucial to understand that periods are a symbol of fertility and good health and nothing to be ashamed about.

*****

Dear Doc,

My son is 13 years old and lately has been complaining of sweating so much and sometimes the sweat has a bad odour. Kindly help explain to him what is happening to his body and what can be done to handle this problem.

Thanks, MK.

Dear MK,
Sweat may seem like some unusual disorder, although in actual sense it is perfectly normal to sweat as it helps maintain body temperature by cooling it down.

Sweating is also a normal part of puberty. As bodies change during adolescence, sweat glands become more active, particularly those in the palms, groin, armpits and soles of the feet. When the sweat comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, it can secrete an odour, which can be stronger in some people than others. Taking a shower or a bath at least once in a day — or as many times, depending on the activity level of your son — will help reduce sweating.

If he is really worried about the smell, he can use an antiperspirant or a deodorant. An antiperspirant minimises sweating while a deodorant masks the odour. Your son can also carry an extra shirt to school or when participating in outdoor activities to change if need be. If he is still worried about his sweat, it is good to see a doctor as too much sweating can at times be a sign of a medical problem.

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