Body Stuff
What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition that shows up as bumps. There are different types of bumps: whiteheads, blackheads, red bumps (pimples), and bumps filled with pus.
When will I get muscles?
You may have already noticed some boys starting to get chest muscles (called the pectoralis muscles or pecs for short). Some may have broad shoulders (the deltoids, or delts for short). Other boys might still be slimmer and smaller.
When Do Most Girls Get Their Period?
Most girls get their first period when they're around 12. But getting it any time between the ages of 10 and 15 is OK. Every girl's body has its own schedule.
Why Do I Smell?
You probably know what sweat is and that it's also called perspiration (say: pur-spuh-RAY-shun)? How does it happen? Sweat comes out of your skin through tiny holes called pores when your body gets hot.
Why Do Kids Need Braces?
Your teeth might be crooked, or your upper and lower jaws might not be the same size. If your upper jaw is bigger than your lower jaw, that's called an overbite. If your lower jaw is bigger than your upper jaw, you have an underbite.
What's Up With Body Hair?
Body hair really gets going during puberty. Some boys will start to notice hair growing on their face around the chin, on the cheeks, and above the lip. Also, hair grows on the chest, the armpits, and even down there in the pubic region.
Why Do Girls Get Periods?
A period happens because of changes in hormones in the body. Hormones give messages to the body. These hormones cause the lining of the uterus (or womb) to build up. This gets the uterus ready for an egg (from the mom) and sperm (from the dad) to attach and grow into a baby. If the woman does not get pregnant, the lining breaks down and bleeds. This same process happens every month. That is why most girls and women get their periods around once a month.
Why Do Feet Stink?
Bacteria are to blame. These tiny critters normally inhabit your feet and love dark, damp places like the insides of sweaty shoes. They multiply in sweat, so if you don't wear socks, that really gets them going.
How does shaving work?
A razor is a sharp blade that cuts the hair off close to the skin. Shaving removes the tip of the hair shaft that pokes out of the skin, but the hair grows back. Your skin might stay smooth for as little as a day or as long as 3 days.
What's an Adam's Apple?
When kids hit puberty, their bodies and minds go through tons of changes. One change that every kid can count on is lots of body parts growing and changing shape. Almost every part gets in on the growing action, including the larynx.
How Long Do Periods Last?
Periods usually last about 5 days. But a period can be shorter or last longer.
What can cause itching”Down there”?
Sometimes soap is irritating, so it's fine to wash the vaginal area with only warm water. It also can be soothing to sit in a bath of warm water. No bubbles, please! Also, be sure to tell a parent about your itchy problem. They might be able to give you some ointment that can ease the itch. And if the itchiness won't go away, it's time to visit your doctor
Why Do I Need to Wear a Retainer?
You might need a retainer for a few reasons. The most common reason is to help your teeth stay set in their new positions after wearing braces. It's important to wear your retainer because as your body grows, your teeth do some shifting. The retainer helps to control this shifting, which occurs naturally.
Should I lift weights?
If you decide to try lifting weights, first let your doctor know you are interested. He or she may tell you to hold off on weightlifting for a bit or give you some advice on how to start. If your doctor discourages weightlifting, try some other ways to work out. Resistance bands, which are like big rubber bands, are a great way to help build your strength without putting too much strain on your muscles.
Is it OK to wear a bra at night?
You don't need to wear a bra at night. Most girls and women take them off to sleep. But if you do wear one when you go to bed, it won't hurt you or change the way your breasts will grow.
Is smoking cool?
No, smoking is not cool and it can severely damage your lungs and your health in general.
When does height happen?
After babyhood, the next big growth spurt for kids comes during puberty, a time of many changes when boys and girls grow bigger and start to look more like adult men and women. But no one can tell you exactly when you'll experience these changes.
How tall will I be?
Your genes play a role in your height. Look at your mom, dad, and other relatives to get an idea of your growth. But nothing is definite. You have to wait and see how it turns out. You can always ask your doctor if you have questions about your height.
Do All Girls Get Cramps?
Lots of girls have cramps with their period, especially in the first few days. If the cramps are very uncomfortable, a warm heating pad on the belly and medicines can help.
How do I treat acne?
There are lotions and creams sold at drugstores that can help prevent acne and clear it up. Talk with your doctor about the choices.