Baby powder is usually used to keep baby's skin dry, soft, and fragrant. However, you need to be more careful in choosing and using baby powder. This is because improper use can cause problems for the baby's health.
Baby powder is generally made from magnesium silicate powder or cornstarch. In addition to making baby's skin soft and fragrant, parents also usually use baby powder to prevent and treat diaper rash around the baby's buttocks and genital area.
However, parents also need to be vigilant in using baby powder, especially if it is used around the baby's face and nose. The magnesium silicate content in baby powder can be bad for health if it is inhaled by the baby.
The Risks of Using Too Much Baby Powder
Mothers should use baby powder for the little one to taste. Excessive use of baby powder or in too much amount can cause several health problems, such as:
Irritation
The use of baby powder containing magnesium silicate can cause irritation to the baby's sensitive skin. If you want to dry your little one's skin after bathing, it's better to use a soft towel instead of baby powder.
However, if you want to use baby powder, make sure you don't sprinkle it too much and don't let the baby inhale it.
Respiratory disorders
Baby powder has a very fine texture and easily rises in the air. This causes baby powder particles, either magnesium silicate or cornstarch, to be easily inhaled by the baby.
Even if inhaled in small amounts, the particles in baby powder can irritate the baby's respiratory tract and cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
Lung cancer
The magnesium silicate content in baby powder is also believed to trigger cancer. This is because baby powder with these ingredients usually contains a dangerous substance called asbestos, which is a carcinogenic substance that triggers the growth of cancer cells.
When asbestos is inhaled for a long time, it can increase the baby's risk of developing lung cancer.
How to Reduce the Side Effects of Using Baby Powder
Mothers can reduce the side effects that can arise from using baby powder in the following ways:
- Pour enough baby powder into the palm of the hand.
- Gently wipe on your hand before rubbing it on your little one's body.
- Gently rub baby powder onto your chest, back, and sweat-prone areas.
- Make sure the baby powder that is rubbed is not too thick.
- Avoid using baby powder directly in the pubic area or around the mouth and nose so that it is not inhaled or swallowed.
In addition to knowing how to use baby powder correctly, you also need to know how to choose a baby powder product that is suitable for your little one's skin. Make sure the baby powder used is registered with the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).
Mothers can also choose pregnant powder talc purified, labeled hypoallergenic, and has a soft fragrance and is not too sharp.
Baby powder that has a womb talc are more at risk of causing health problems if inhaled in large quantities to make the baby choke or in small amounts, but in the long term.
If your little one's skin looks red, dry, scaly, or he becomes fussy because of itching after using baby powder, stop using it immediately and consult a doctor so that he can be given the appropriate treatment.