Chennai dermatologist explains why using talcum powder is not a good idea

CHENNAI: Talc usage dates back to more than 5000 years in Egypt, India and China, says dermatologist Dr Deepika Lunawat. But that doesn’t make it good for you.
“In India, we face the risk of dermal heat disorders due to the hot and tropical climate. One such disorder is miliaria, a widely recognized, heat‐induced dermatitis that presents as a rash commonly referred to as ‘prickly heat’,” explains the consultant dermatologist at Fortis Malar Hospital in Chennai.
To combat the risk of sweat‐induced dermatitis, people use talcum powder to cool against the effects of “prickly heat”. “But recent evidence of the asbestos contamination or comineralization in various talcum powders makes it an unsafe proposition,” she says.
“Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral made up mainly of the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. Today, talc is a common ingredient in baby powders, adult body powders, blush, eye shadow, foundation and numerous other beauty products. But I wouldn’t recommend it as respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, talcosis can occur with talc inhalation,” says Dr Lunawat.
What she does recommend instead is that one bathe in lukewarm or cold water. “Never bathe in hot water. It can aggravate the condition,” she says.
Go traditional, says the cosmetologist, with sandalwood or Fullers earth. “Apply a paste of sandalwood along with well blended natural aloe vera gel on the skin and leave it overnight. Wash it off the next morning to see relaxed and rejuvenated skin. Or you can apply a paste of Fullers earth along with rose water on the skin until it dries out. Wash the applied region to see calmed skin.”
Adding honey while bathing can soothe irritated skin as well. “But always do a patch test prior to using any of these home remedies as any innocuous ingredients can also potentially cause an irritant reaction,” she adds.
Also, remember, you are what you eat. Dr Lunawat suggests that in the morning, adding a small glass of ABC juice (apple, beetroot and carrot juice) to the diet on every alternate day of the week can supplement the skin with antioxidants and nutrition. On the other days, drink a small glass made crushed coriander, lime, mint and water.