PlanetRx - Learn More - Product Advice - Baby Powder





	Keep your baby soft as a ... well, you know You've heard the expression, "soft as a baby's bottom." Well, it's no lie. Ask any new parent. (Of course they'll also say their baby is the smartest and cutest, when you know yours is smarter and cuter. But at least you can agree about the softness part.) So when a baby's diaper rash threatens that silky tush, a sprinkling of powder can help keep your little one soft, dry, and comfortable. But powder is not entirely benign. It can actually cause a rash, skin irritation, or breathing problems. So any baby powder should be chosen carefully -- and used with caution.



	Talc vs. Cornstarch: Play It Safe Talc shares some chemical similarities with asbestos and has been associated in some studies with ovarian cancer. Although a causal link has not been confirmed, you're better safe than sorry. Check the label: cornstarch-based powders are the best choice. Take a Deep Breath -- and a Few Precautions The biggest concern about using baby powder is the very real danger associated with your baby inhaling loose powder. Accidental inhalation can cause wheezing, coughing, choking, shortness of breath, pneumonia, vomiting, and -- in some cases -- even death. Containers generally have no safety caps and no warning labels, so it's up to you to use baby powder carefully and responsibly. Powders may increase skin irritation. Try using an ointment for diaper rash. If you still prefer powder, proceed with caution. Shake powder onto your hand first -- away from baby's face -- then rub on without patting loose powder into the air. Close the top after use and keep powder container away from baby at all times. Never let your baby play with the container as a toy.



	Cornstarch-based Cornstarch does more than thicken soups and sauces. It can help keep your baby's skin dry. Starch is a long polymer of carbohydrates (i.e., a long chain of sugar). It is a very effective drying agent that can hold up to 25 times more moisture than talcum powder. Starch absorbs moisture, urine, oil, and other irritants to help keep your baby's skin rash-free. But remember to put powder on your hand and then powder your baby to reduce the chance that your baby might accidentally inhale the powder. Talc-based Talcum powder is crushed magnesium silicate, a type of naturally occurring mineral. Talc can help your baby keep dry and rash-free by absorbing oils, moisture, and irritants. But remember to put powder on your hand and then powder your baby to reduce the chance that your baby might accidentally inhale the powder. Inhalation of talc has been reported to cause vomiting, coughing, and pneumonia in infants, so its use is cautioned.



	Appropriate Uses Cornstarch powder Absorbs moisture from the skin, reduces friction against the skin, and leaves baby's skin with a pleasant fragrance. Talcum powder Absorbs moisture from the skin, reduces friction against the skin, and leaves baby's skin with a pleasant fragrance. Common Misconceptions Cornstarch powder Cannot kill the germs that cause diaper rash. Talcum powder Cannot kill the germs that cause diaper rash. Using Powder Safely Consult your physician for use on children under age 4 months. Choose powders that are cornstarch-based. To decrease the amount of powder in the air, powder your hands first and then apply to your baby's skin. Do not apply to infected or broken skin. Always make sure product container is closed when not in use.



	Use Caution Even with Gentle Powder Talcum-based powders may increase the risk of cancer and inhalation may result in pneumonia or death. Keep out of reach of your baby. Cornstarch-based powders may cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes and asthma. Do not use if the baby is allergic to talcum, cornstarch, or any other ingredient in the powder. Powder may increase irritation when applied to cracked or broken skin.



	Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers American Academy of Pediatrics Global Child Health Society Johnson & Johnson, "Baby Powder Products" Mayo Clinic, "Ask the Mayo Physician: Baby Powder" Sources & Further Reading Books 1. Jones, S; W Freitag. Guide to Baby Products, 5th ed. Consumer Reports Books, Yonkers, NY, 1996. Find more books on health and wellness at barnesandnoble.com. Articles 1. Brink, S; MB Marcus, N Shute. "Problem Powder; Keep Screening; Turn on to Health." U.S. News & Workd Report, Vol. 122, 3/17/97.