Talcum powder, as the name implies, is made of talc, a mineral made of a substance called hydrated magnesium silicate. Talcum powder is a highly absorbent element that cuts down on friction that often causes skin irritation. In this regard, it has been popular for use in preventing rashes on babies, as well as on adult skin. Talcum powder also has other uses, such as making it easier to put on rubber gloves by powdering the hands before inserting them into the gloves; ridding books of moldy pages by sprinkling the powder between the pages, standing the book on end for a few hours and then brushing the residue off; and as a quick way to get rid of excess oil in the hair by applying the talc and then brushing it out.
What to Look for
Talcum powder comes in non-medicated and medicated form. Determine which is best for the application you need before purchasing. If you are purchasing the powder for diaper rash or any type of similar rash, a medicated version can be the most effective. If you are using talcum powder to keep the skin feeling fresh and dry when you don’t have time to take a shower or bath, a non-medicated version is recommended. Some talcum powder comes with an added scent, often matching a specific perfume. Applying scented talcum powder to the skin is a way to reinforce the scent of your perfume, if the fragrance is one and the same.
Common Pitfalls
There have been many recent studies on the health deficits of talcum powder. Some tests have shown that it may be a contributing cause for pulmonary issues and for diseases such as lung, skin and ovarian cancer. In several studies it was shown that chemical grade talcum powder caused tumors in animals. Many physicians claim that talcum powder may be toxic, with further claims stating that if it is inhaled by a baby it may lead to inflammation of airways and pneumonia. A healthful alternative to talcum powder is corn starch, a substance that has caused no alarm and that is currently a popular alternative to soothing chafed skin. There are many powders on the market made of corn starch that achieve the same effect as talcum powder, without the potential side effects.
