DANGEROUS EFFECTS OF BABY POWDER AND A SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE TO IT
One way to dry a baby’s skin to prevent diaper rash is to powder the baby ‘s body. Baby powder contains a mineral called talc. Talc is the softest mineral that has a high moisture absorption property. This type of powder contains fine particles that enter the baby’s respiratory tract through the nasal passages and endanger the health of the baby’s lungs.
The most common way to get rid of a baby diaper rash is to use baby powder.
Is it normal for a baby to have cold hands and feet?
Diaper rash is a type of contact dermatitis that develops due to skin-to-urine contact over a long period of time. In other words, contact dermatitis occurs when the skin of the body reacts to contact with a stimulant. This complication is associated with pain and causes discomfort to the baby.
The most important irritants in the baby diaper area include soap, urine, feces, diapers and chemicals in wipes.
In this way, the parents soak the baby’s diaper area in baby powder to keep the baby’s skin dry from moisture. In general, powders based on talc and corn starch have very small particles. It is difficult to prevent small particles of powder from being suspended in the air, which can easily enter the body.
DISADVANTAGES OF POWDERING THE BABY’S BODY
LUNG DAMAGE
The use of powder for infants is dangerous due to the entry of powder particles into the lungs and respiratory system of the child. In fact, inhaling baby powder causes respiratory problems and can endanger the baby’s lung health.
As the powder enters the body, the baby’s lungs are stimulated. Lung irritation is high in infants who are at risk for respiratory diseases. Among the children at risk for respiratory diseases are infants with congenital and premature heart disease.
Reports from the American Academy of Pediatrics indicate that baby powder is harmful to the human lungs due to its talc and cornstarch content. In addition to threatening the health of the child, the baby powder also endangers the health of mothers and occurs in the form of poor breathing, cough, wheezing and chronic lung allergies.
It is good to know that baby powder can make respiratory patients suffer from pneumonia symptoms in the long run.
OVARIAN CANCER
Baby powder is referred to as a chemical powder that threatens women’s health. Talc has been reported in some cancer tumors. Talc is the softest natural mineral that is used in the medical industry to protect and perfume the skin due to its high moisture absorption properties.
The mineral talc is found in underground reserves and mainly contains asbestos. Asbestos as a carcinogen is a factor in infecting a baby’s vagina.
According to research, talc in baby powder can cause cancer in girls. The use of baby powder in the baby’s genital area is likely to pave the way for talc to enter the vagina.
It should be noted that the International Agency for Research on Cancer has included talcum powder in the list of “carcinogens for humans.”
THE MOST SUITABLE METHOD FOR POWDERING THE BABY’S BODY
It is not necessary to use baby powder due to the disadvantages it creates in the baby’s body, but if you definitely want to use it, it is better to put the powder on the palm of the hand first, then gently pour it on the baby’s body. In this way, you can prevent the powder particles from being suspended in the air and prevent the baby’s skin from being irritated by spreading the powder on the skin.
Note that in order for the powder to be placed directly on the body, its small particles are suspended in the air and enter the baby’s body through the airway.
In addition, avoid putting cans of powder in the reach of children and wash the baby’s skin with water each time the baby is replaced.
THE MOST SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE TO BABY POWDER
As mentioned, baby powder is not considered a good option for drying baby skin due to its talc content.
Pediatricians recommend oil creams, lotions, and zinc-based burn creams as the best alternatives to baby powder.
In addition, corn powder is a good alternative to talcum powder. Corn contains larger particles than talcum powder and does not pose a threat to the respiratory tract.
Suitable talcum powder alternatives include oatmeal, baking soda and onion starch powder.
Note that despite the appropriate alternatives to baby powder to prevent skin rashes, the most effective and efficient way to change baby diapers early is. You can change baby diapers at regular intervals and prevent diaper rash by drying and cleansing the skin.
• Use of various creams and ointments for burns
• Pay attention to food allergies and limit the consumption of foods containing acid
• Using diapers and detergents with reputable brands
Avoid rubbing the burn area
• Ensure proper diaper placement
• Reduce the use of wipes
• Avoid using thick and fragrant detergents
• Opportunity to ventilate the burned area of the body
RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF BABY POWDER
The use of baby powder is restricted to children born prematurely. Such children have a weakened immune system due to prematurity and are prone to respiratory diseases.
There is also a limit to powdering a baby born with heart disease.
It is good to know that if the baby is prone to allergic diseases, it is strictly forbidden to use baby powder. In addition, if the baby’s genital area becomes swollen after using the baby powder, do not continue to use the powder.
Concluding remarks
As mentioned, the baby’s skin gets a diaper rash due to prolonged contact with urine and feces. This skin condition is associated with pain and often causes discomfort to the baby.
One way to dry your baby’s skin is to use baby powder. Talc-based baby powder has the potential to disperse into the air due to its fine particles. The powder particles enter the baby’s respiratory tract through respiration and disrupt the function of the baby’s lungs.
In addition, research suggests that talc in baby powder may lead to the formation of ovarian cancer in women.