Top

Talcum Powder can Harm Your Baby

October 9, 2009


Babies are often dusted with talcum powder so that they keep dry. One of the commonest reasons of using talcum powder is to arrest the formation of sweat. Apart from sweat, babies often wet themselves and have to stay in a moist condition until someone changes them. However dusting powder all over the baby is an action which has come under fire. The medical professionals now, discourage  using talcum powder on the babies for a number of reasons.

Powders usually contain fine particles of silicate. A combination of both zinc stearates and magnesium silicates form the basis of a talcum powder. The silicate particles are tiny and can be readily carried by air or mingle with dust. It can easily enter the lungs causing respiratory  problems for the baby.

Babies, being, inquisitive creatures, have a tendency to put everything in their mouth. Inhaling or ingesting of talcum powder can also be life threatening for an infant even when he is under parental supervision.

Powders are normally used to combat moisture and prevent skin rashes. However, most modern day dermatologists feel that ointments are a much better option when it comes to treating diaper rashes.

Since most contaminants are linked with the dreaded disease cancer in one way or the other, studies have also been undertaken to establish a link between talc and cancer. However, a lot of statistics pertaining to the cause of ovarian cancer show that the women so affected had used powder on their groin. The theory has still not proved to be conclusive as yet but talcum powder does certainly seem to have a contributory hand in ovarian cancer.

Although there are no hard core facts relating the usage of talc to cancer in babies, the advantages of  dusting powder all over your baby is negligible. In fact, it does more harm than good. Therefore it would be better to forgo using the talc a a means of controlling moisture.


Comments

Got something to say? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.





What's More today?

Simple ways to cut your calories

There are several ways by which you can start cutting down on your calories and work your way towards... 

Causes for Wrinkles

There are several causes for the formation of wrinkles. Irregular diet and bad lifestyle may be some... 

Ringworms – Symptoms and Treatment

Constant itching of the skin particularly where the sweat accumulates can prove to be annoying. A number... 

Why white bread is bad for you?

White bread is actually made using refined white flour and is not good for your health. You have to stay... 

Tips to clean your tongue

Bad breath can result from improper cleaning of your tongue where a host of bacteria can thrive. Tongue... 

Best brain foods

You can include many types of brain foods which are vital for both children and adults. Though sugary... 

Natural remedies for white vaginal discharge

There may be several causes for vaginal discharge among women. You can make use of anti fungal vaginal... 

Best Diabetic Snacks

Diabetics have to pay a lot of attention in eating the right types of foods. Many foods can work to be... 

Risks Factors of Crib Deaths

Giving birth to a baby is undoubtedly a joyous event. However, bringing up a child stage by stage can... 

Colic pains and what parents can do about it

Colic is a condition that can make a baby to cry endlessly. It is a painful condition which is characterized... 

Importance of Calcium Rich Foods

Calcium is a vital nutrient which helps in the growth and development of an individual by keeping our... 

How to Maximize the Benefits of a Sunscreen

While the benefits of the sun’s rays are known by one and all, most of us do not realize that too much... 

How to apply concealers

Who does not want a flawless skin, free from all sorts of skin blemishes. However not everyone is lucky... 

Five tips for healthy skin

Every woman has the desire for beautiful glowing skin which is soft and smooth. That is the reason the... 

Tips to remove pigmentation from your face

Pigmentation or changes in the color of a woman’s skin are caused owing to the use of birth control... 

Bottom