Talcum powder is the powdered form of talc, a natural mineral. Talc, the softest mineral on earth, is found in rock deposits. Many products use talcum powder from chewing gum to antiperspirant and baby powder. Contrary to popular belief, baby powder accounts for only a small fraction of the uses of talc. Research shows talcum powder can be dangerous to overall health, but it has some benefits too. When it comes to babies, we want only the best. Will the benefits of talcum powder outweigh the risks? Keep reading to learn more about talcum powder for babies.
Risk: Respiratory Conditions in Infants
If you have ever used baby powder, you know how easy it is to squeeze a puff of baby powder into the air accidentally. Doing so can be dangerous for infants. When infants breath in baby powder particles, it can dry out their mucous membranes and affect breathing. Dry mucous membranes over time can cause severe lung damage.
Risks: Ovarian Cancer
The use of talcum powder for females could be more dangerous than males. Although scientists have not been able to link the two directly, research shows talcum powder could lead to ovarian cancer. When used on the genitals, talcum powder can enter the vagina and move through the uterus and fallopian tubes to the ovaries. Products to watch for include sanitary napkins, condoms, or baby powder.
Benefit: Soft Skin
Baby powder is known for its absorbent properties, making it great for babies. When babies first come into the world, it’s easy for them to develop skin irritations. A typical use for baby powder is in the crotch area where the diaper rounds the legs. This area often becomes damp and, because of this, the moisture is trapped causing skin irritation. Baby powder is a great solution to absorb this moisture because it will not dry out the skin.
Benefit: Keeping Sand Off
Spending time at the beach is something a lot of people enjoy. However, the sand sticking to everything can be a nuisance. When taking a toddler to the beach, talcum powder found in the baby powder may be your answer! If it’s time to eat or leave the beach, merely rub talcum powder where you would like to remove sand and shake. Talcum powder absorbs moisture allowing the sand to fall off. This method will eliminate children eating sand because it’s on their hands and help remove sand from places it shouldn’t be preventing itchiness or irritation.
Benefit: Staying Cool at Night
Falling asleep in a hot room can be a challenge. If you live in a warm climate with no air conditioning, talcum powder may ensure your baby stays cool at night. Talcum powder has astringent properties, meaning it causes skin tissue to contract to give a cooling sensation. To use talcum powder when sleeping, apply it to the sheets ahead of bedtime. Cotton sheets work best because they are breathable.
Benefit: Freshen Up Outfits
Children, especially babies, can be very messy. Having extra outfits on hand is a must when traveling with an infant. However, sometimes clothes can get a little bit of an odd scent after spending time in the diaper bag. Just take talcum powder and apply a small amount to the clothing item. Let the talcum powder sit for a few minutes to whisk away any moisture and leave its calming scent. Shake the shirt and ta-da!
Benefit: Prevent Smelly Shoes
Children have lots of energy! Sometimes when wearing their tennis shoes for long periods of times or without socks, their shoes can become smelly. An easy way to remove the odor is to use talcum powder. Take off your shoes and sprinkle talcum powder inside; let sit overnight or until the next use. Before wearing again, simply shake the talcum powder out of the shoe. The talcum powder will remove moisture and leave a neutral scent making your entryway smell great again.
Who Is At Risk?
Although everybody reacts differently to certain things, women and babies are most likely to experience complications from talcum powder. It is especially important to be careful using talcum powder on female babies, as prolonged use of talcum powder on the genitals could increase the risk of ovarian cancer. However, if any baby is exposed to talcum powder over an extended period, other health conditions besides respiratory issues can arise. If your infant experiences any respiratory problems, visit the doctor as Pneumonia can occur.
Side Effects
If you have used talcum powder on a baby and are worried about any side effects, check for these symptoms. Common side effects of talcum powder include throat irritation, vomiting, and low blood pressure. More severe side effects include chest pain, twitching of facial muscles, and inability to urinate. Please consult with a medical professional if you have any questions regarding the use of talcum powder on your infant or if they experience side effects.
Alternatives for Babies
If you are on the fence about exposing your infant to talcum powder, try one of these alternatives to reduce inflammation and skin irritation. Try making your own homemade diaper rash cream, if you have the time and want to. There are several recipes online that contain coconut oil, beeswax, and other natural products. If making homemade diaper rash cream is out of the question, search for a natural alternative that does not contain talcum powder.