Is baby powder safe?
AFTER bathing her two-month-old son, Caroline Atim dries him with a towel and makes him lie on his back. She then applies baby powder on his body, with emphasis on the neck, armpits, bottom and the area between the top of the thighs and the abdomen.
By Anthony Olwoch
AFTER bathing her two-month-old son, Caroline Atim dries him with a towel and makes him lie on his back. She then applies baby powder on his body, with emphasis on the neck, armpits, bottom and the area between the top of the thighs and the abdomen.
“Baby powder has always been my number one choice because it helps absorb moisture and prevents friction between the baby’s bottom and diaper,†she says.
For years, baby powder has always been, and probably, still is, a must-have for many mothers.
The talc-containing powder is usually made up of finely-ground minerals, which include magnesium silicates, zinc stearate and other silicates. But because the processing of the powder does not get rid of the tiny fibres, which are similar to asbestos, a cancer-causing agent, over the years there has been increasing debate on how safe baby powder is.
Dr. Hellen Aanyu Tukamuhebwa, a paediatrician and specialist in allergy at Mulago Hospital, says baby powder provides a protective layer for the skin because it absorbs moisture.
According to Dr. Joseph Sseremba, a paediatrician at Sseremba Medical Centre in Kabalagala, baby powder is safe to use as long as a baby is not allergic to it.
Risk factors
“When applied in excess, baby powder can absorb too much moisture or urine, leading to adverse skin reactions.
“Secondly, since the powder is made up of very fine particles, when applied carelessly, it can easily be inhaled by the baby. This could, for instance, cause sneezing and difficulty in breathing because of swelling of the lining of the airway,†Aanyu notes.
According to Prof. Dr. Andreas Hensel, the president of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, talc-containing baby powder can cause severe health problems in babies.
If a baby inhales the powder, it can get into its lungs and lead to respiratory obstruction or severe damage to the lungs.
Sseremba notes that some babies are allergic to the components in the powder. So when they get exposed to it, their skin gets irritated, leading to rashes.
Also, a number of studies have shown a link between frequent use of talc in the female genital area and ovarian cancer.
Precautions
“To avoid inhalation, mothers should avoid applying the powder recklessly. Also, the powder should be applied in moderation,†Aanyu advises.
Sseremba advises that babies with allergic reactions should not be exposed to the powder. The best alternative would be Vaseline.
My experience with baby powder:Our readers speak out...
Sylvia Mutumba, the mother of seven-month-old Dion Nabukera
The powder keeps her dry, makes her skin smooth and prevents her from feeling hot. She has never developed any complications related to baby powder.
Dorcas Nantamba, the mother of one-month-old Monica Ashaba
Each time after bathing her, I dry her carefully with a towel and then apply baby powder on her body, with emphasis on the folds of the skin. The powder makes her feel comfortable and cry less.
Grace Kukungiza, the mother of eight-month-old Joseph Musinguzi
I tried using baby powder on my son, but stopped because his skin reacted badly to it. The doctors told me he is allergic to baby powder. I now use baby Vaseline on him.
AFTER bathing her two-month-old son, Caroline Atim dries him with a towel and makes him lie on his back. She then applies baby powder on his body, with emphasis on the neck, armpits, bottom and the area between the top of the thighs and the abdomen.
“Baby powder has always been my number one choice because it helps absorb moisture and prevents friction between the baby’s bottom and diaper,†she says.
For years, baby powder has always been, and probably, still is, a must-have for many mothers.
The talc-containing powder is usually made up of finely-ground minerals, which include magnesium silicates, zinc stearate and other silicates. But because the processing of the powder does not get rid of the tiny fibres, which are similar to asbestos, a cancer-causing agent, over the years there has been increasing debate on how safe baby powder is.
Dr. Hellen Aanyu Tukamuhebwa, a paediatrician and specialist in allergy at Mulago Hospital, says baby powder provides a protective layer for the skin because it absorbs moisture.
According to Dr. Joseph Sseremba, a paediatrician at Sseremba Medical Centre in Kabalagala, baby powder is safe to use as long as a baby is not allergic to it.
Risk factors
“When applied in excess, baby powder can absorb too much moisture or urine, leading to adverse skin reactions.
“Secondly, since the powder is made up of very fine particles, when applied carelessly, it can easily be inhaled by the baby. This could, for instance, cause sneezing and difficulty in breathing because of swelling of the lining of the airway,†Aanyu notes.
According to Prof. Dr. Andreas Hensel, the president of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, talc-containing baby powder can cause severe health problems in babies.
If a baby inhales the powder, it can get into its lungs and lead to respiratory obstruction or severe damage to the lungs.
Sseremba notes that some babies are allergic to the components in the powder. So when they get exposed to it, their skin gets irritated, leading to rashes.
Also, a number of studies have shown a link between frequent use of talc in the female genital area and ovarian cancer.
Precautions
“To avoid inhalation, mothers should avoid applying the powder recklessly. Also, the powder should be applied in moderation,†Aanyu advises.
Sseremba advises that babies with allergic reactions should not be exposed to the powder. The best alternative would be Vaseline.
My experience with baby powder:Our readers speak out...
Sylvia Mutumba, the mother of seven-month-old Dion Nabukera
The powder keeps her dry, makes her skin smooth and prevents her from feeling hot. She has never developed any complications related to baby powder.
Dorcas Nantamba, the mother of one-month-old Monica Ashaba
Each time after bathing her, I dry her carefully with a towel and then apply baby powder on her body, with emphasis on the folds of the skin. The powder makes her feel comfortable and cry less.
Grace Kukungiza, the mother of eight-month-old Joseph Musinguzi
I tried using baby powder on my son, but stopped because his skin reacted badly to it. The doctors told me he is allergic to baby powder. I now use baby Vaseline on him.