Consider deodorant

If your child has started to develop underarm odor, which usually wafts in at the start of puberty, it’s time to introduce deodorant, says Dr. Smitherman. Puberty could hit sooner than you might expect; girls are starting to menstruate one to two years younger than their mothers did.

Talk about body odor. Bring up the topic delicately by telling your child that she is getting bigger and probably playing harder, and that sometimes sweat and odor can build up, so it’s a good idea to use deodorant, says Dr. Smitherman. Since children may develop cysts under the arms from blocked pores, and antiperspirants can exacerbate the problem, she recommends deodorant only, unless perspiration is a huge problem.

Be savvy about shaving. “Some cultures think that shaving under the arms is an acceptable hygiene and grooming practice, and some do not,” says Dr. Smitherman. If you deem it acceptable, girls should start shaving once the dark hair under their arms starts to develop, usually in mid-puberty. “Teach your daughter proper shaving techniques such as using shaving cream and a sharp razor to prevent cuts, ingrown hairs and infections.”

Keep skin clear

Pimples may pop up when puberty hits—usually between 11 and 15.

Know how to wash. Young children don’t need soap on their faces because their oil glands haven’t started to produce oil. Instead, use water to clean off food and dirt, suggests Dr. Brandith Irwin, a dermatologist in Seattle. “Once kids start puberty and their faces become oilier, they should be washing them twice a day.”

Pick the right products. Over-the-counter products, such as Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, are great for kids who don’t have acne. Children who are developing acne could try a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide, which helps reduce bacteria on the skin and oiliness. “They’re usually called acne washes; Neutrogena has one,” says Dr. Irwin. “If their acne is not bad, Oxy 5 is perfect for treating it.”

See a dermatologist. Any child with moderate to severe acne, especially if it’s starting to scar, should see a dermatologist. “We have so many treatments we can try—we get on top of it quickly,” says Dr. Irwin. Children with a parent or grandparent who had cystic scarring acne, which is often hereditary, should also see a dermatologist. “We act a lot faster with those kids,” says Dr. Irwin.

Stop stinky feet

If a whiff of your son’s soccer shoes has you scrunching up your nose, try these tips.

Wash away odor. “Washing feet every day and scrubbing between toes is important to prevent foot odor,” says Dr. Andrew Klayman, a Toronto podiatrist. “Bathing once a day will typically do the job.”

Always dry footwear. “Smelly feet are usually a by-product of too much sweat, which creates an environment for bacterial growth,” says Dr. Klayman. So airing out shoes after the big game is a must to let sweat evaporate properly. If a child is a heavy sweater, put odor eater insoles or charcoal insoles into shoes, or sprinkle non-caking baby powder, corn starch or baking soda inside socks to help absorb moisture. Sporting clean dry cotton socks is also important to help keep a lid on foot odor.

Watch for infections. Skin infections can cause smelly feet, says Dr. Klayman. “Too much sweat between the toes can cause athlete’s foot, which is smelly and itchy.” He suggests parents look between a child’s toes; redness and dampness are symptoms. If you suspect an infection, visit your child’s doctor or a podiatrist or try treating it with an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream.