You must have seen people in powder commercials finding respite from summer with a sprinkle of powder turning into ice cubes. Well, the animation effects seem true to an extent due to the cooling properties in it. It is really a savior during the summer season as it helps in relieving itching and other problems caused due to the heat during this season. But finely milled talcum powder can sometimes be harmful and has side effects that many of us don’t know about.
Don’t believe us? Dr Nivedita Dadu, a renowned dermatologist, tells us about it. Dr Dadu spoke to Health Shots to list how talcum powder can at times do more bad than good.
Here are 6 ways talcum powder may be harmful for your skin:
1. It can cause skin infections
Talcum powder contains starch due to which using it during summer in sensitive areas like armpit and groin can cause them to ‘clump’ or ‘cake up’. It will promote the appearance of skin infections instead of getting rid of them.
2. Reduce natural oil secretion
Regular use of talcum powder can reduce the production of natural oils in the skin. It can also make the skin dry and that can lead to problems such as flaky skin and more sensitive skin.
3. Clogs your pores
Talcum powder is harmful for skin because it is finely milled and clogs the skin pores. It doesn’t allow the sweat to evaporate during the summer season. It can make existing rashes worse or even cause new ones. “Some talcum powders contains a substance called asbestos which can cause lung cancer. It can also cause other diseases as well, such as asbestosis,” adds Dr Dadu, who is also the founder and chairman of Dr Nivedita Dadu’s dermatology clinic.
4. Mineral talc can ruin your skin
Talcum powder contains mineral talc and if this mineral talc gets under the skin through an open wound or gets into the eyes, it may lead to problems. It can lead to irritation and redness in the skin area and eyes.
5. It can irritate the respiratory tract
Using talcum powder during summer can cause the talc particles to float in the air and enter our airways. When we inhale these particles, it can lead to wheezing, shallow or short breathing and coughing. In extreme conditions, it can cause talcosis or chronic lung irritation.
6. Powder can cause ovarian diseases
Many women use talcum powder products for feminine hygiene such as preventing vaginal odour. Using talcum powder is harmful because when applied on the groin, it allows the particles to enter the vagina and the uterus. These particles can enter the fallopian tubes and to the ovaries. It does not dissolve easily in this area and stays for a long period of time. This can also cause ovarian inflammation.
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