Baby Powder For Diaper Rash

Baby Powder For Diaper Rash – People have been using talcum powder on babies for decades. Through the years, several issues have surfaced regarding the use of talc-based baby powder. This has naturally confused a lot of parents who have grown up having talcum powder used on them, and now wonder if they should use it on their babies. So is baby powder safe or harmful? Is there really a difference between talc-based powder and other baby powder?

Baby powder is used to prevent diaper rash as it absorbs moisture so your baby’s genital area and buttocks will stay dry. Baby powder tempers the occurrence of diaper rash by creating a barrier between your baby’s skin and urine and feces. And also it helps to absorb the urine. Baby powder is also sometimes applied on the baby’s chest and back during warm months. It helps keep babies and children comfortable by absorbing perspiration in hot weather.

Diaper Rash Facts

Very common baby condition; 3 million cases per year in the United States

Diaper rash can last a few days up to a couple weeks

Self-diagnosable; appears on the buttocks as a patchwork of inflamed skin bright red in color

Symptoms; painful red rash on the baby’s buttocks. Severe diaper rash can cause a fever and widespread rash.

Common treatment; diaper rash starts to improve within a couple days with frequent diaper changes and diaper rash cream and baby powder.

Always consult a doctor for medical advice

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Should You Use Talc-Based Baby Powder On Infants?
Talc-Free Organic Baby Powders
Care In Using Talc-Free And Organic Baby Powder

Should You Use Talc-Based Baby Powder On Infants?

Talc is a natural mineral that consists mainly of oxygen, hydrogen, magnesium, and silicon. In its natural state, some talc also contains asbestos, and asbestos has been known to cause cancer. Often, baby powders that contain talc as their base often pulverize the mineral. Unfortunately, the fine particles can be easily inhaled, which can lead to respiratory and lung problems. But, that’s not all. The tiny particles can also be absorbed through the skin, possibly causing cancer ^[1].

Talcum powder has been at the center of many medical controversies during the past decades over concerns about respiratory and cancer hazards. There have been studies regarding the application of baby powder on or near the female genitals and its relationship with ovarian cancer. Findings have been mixed ^[2].

On the other hand, inhalation of talcum powder can cause serious complications, even death ^[3]. Because this fine powder can be inhaled by a user and has the possibility of talc contamination by asbestos, many health authorities do not approve of the use of talcum powder.

Talc-Free Organic Baby Powders

There are other alternatives to talcum powder, and some of them have been in use for decades or even longer than commercial talc powder. These alternatives absorb sweat and moisture, as well as provide a layer of protection against chaffing. Each of these alternatives has its own additional advantages, and in some cases, there are disadvantages. Usually, these products are easy to make, and DIYers can make their own batch at home. The organic raw ingredients are available at most supermarkets.

Cornstarch

Among other things, this cooking ingredient is a staple in many recipes as a sauce thickener. Organic cornstarch can be found in many grocery stores. Commercial baby powders made with cornstarch are almost as fine as talcum powder. It works just as well as talcum powder.

Baking Soda

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is commonly found in most people’s kitchen pantry and is used for more than just cooking. It can be stored inside the refrigerator to absorb the varied food odors, and baking soda is sometimes used as an underarm deodorant or toothpaste. However, did you know that baking soda has been popular for decades as a baby powder alternative? It has the same texture as talcum powder, without the toxic chemicals. It absorbs sweat and wetness, and it can also absorb bad odors. Baking soda can be easily found in grocery stores.

Oat Flour

This specialty flour made is used to make oatmeal bread. Check out a larger grocery store to find this flour. As a talcum powder alternative, it has a lot of the same properties as cornstarch. However, it is coarser than cornstarch. This is another ingredient which DIYers can make from scratch. You only need a blender or a food processor. Pulse the oats for about a minute or until it is ground to a fine powder. One cup of rolled oats can be pulsed for about a minute yielding a cup of oat flour.

Rice Starch

Different from rice flour, rice starch uses a different process. Dry rice is ground up to produce rice starch. In some cultures, it is a traditional ingredient in face powders. Unlike corn starch or oat flour, rice starch powder tends to cake when it comes in contact with sweat or water. It is may be harder to find on supermarket shelves but is readily available in online stores.

Tapioca

Tapioca is a starch processed from cassava. Most people are familiar with tapioca pudding or with tapioca pearls in their milk or tea. Tapioca can also be used as an alternative to talcum powder. It absorbs moisture, including sweat and oils. It can be found in many grocery stores.

Arrowroot Starch

Arrowroot has been around a long time. It got its name long ago because it was applied to wounds incurred by poison arrows. Arrowroot is a root crop like cassava. It is also starchy and is used to produce arrowroot starch. Its properties are similar to tapioca. Parent’s whose babies are allergic to corn can use arrowroot starch instead.

Care In Using Talc-Free And Organic Baby Powder

Even when it comes to talc-free baby powder, babies with pre-existing medical conditions, especially premature babies, and those with respiratory issues, such as asthma, should avoid using powder of any kind.

If your baby is generally healthy and you wish to use baby powder on them, make sure to apply it on your palms first and away from your baby. When applying the powder, avoid the child’s head area where it can be easily inhaled, and wipe off the excess powder after applying it. If you wish to avoid powder, try using either cream and or other emollients with non-nano zinc oxide after changing diapers. Non-nano zinc oxide infused products help establish a protective layer on your baby’s bottom without the possibility of harmful chemical absorption through the skin.

If you choose to use organic or DYI baby powder, another option is to put baby powder on the diaper instead of on the baby’s skin. With this method, the baby powder does not rise into the air upon application.

Organic baby powders like non-irritating cornstarch powders and other organically sourced powders are regarded as the best and safest option for babies. While these powders are organic and non-irritating, cornstarch contains bigger particles, and it can still be inhaled over time, eventually leading to respiratory problems. In general, care must be taken in using baby powders.

MADE OF Organic Talc Free Baby Powder

MADE OF baby powder is a safe and talc-free powder you can use on your baby. Instead, it uses kaolin clay. This mild skin care clay comes from naturally moist soil in tropical environments. This clay and corn starch base are used instead of toxic talc, and can this powder can be applied to your baby on a day to day basis. MADE OF baby powder consists of organic plant starch and oils like aloe and argan oils that help prevent chaffing from constant wetness. These oils also help soothe skin irritations while helping to keep your baby’s skin dry and protected at all times. You can be assured that when you use MADE OF Organic Baby Powder that it is a safe, wholesome quality product.

MADE OF Natural And Organic Diaper Rash Cream

As mentioned earlier, If you are looking for a powder alternative, try using either cream and or other emollients with non-nano zinc oxide. MADE OF organic diaper rash cream contains non-nano zinc oxide to establish a protective layer on your baby’s bottom without the possibility of absorption through the skin. Just like organic powders, MADE OF diaper rash cream provides a safe, talc-free organic solution by using only organic, non-GMO plant-based ingredients.

A Last Word About Baby Powder For Diaper Rash

The bottom line here is to take a careful look at the type of baby powder you are using on your babies sensitive skin. Baby powder is still a popular choice among parents, but parents must check the ingredient list for organic materials and be careful with the application of any baby powder.