Powder after shower habit may be lead to cancer, especially in the underpants or if powder has asbestos in it.
HEALTH
Powder all over body after shower leads to cancer?
5/04/2016
Arusa Pisuthipan
The habit of applying talcum powder all over the body after taking a shower is quite common in Thailand and many other places in the world.
Recent court cases in the US indicate that this practice could be dangerous.
A Thai cancer specialist (oncologist) recommends talcum-based products not be used on the body's intimate parts (crotch area).
US COURT CASES
Jacqueline Fox died from ovarian cancer last October at the age of 62.
The death of the American is notable in that it has raised a public health concern with regard to what possibly caused her passing -- baby powder.
Fox was reported to have been sprinkling Johnson & Johnson baby powder on her underwear every day since she was a teen.
She then learned from a commercial after her diagnosis that long-term use of the baby powder might be associated with ovarian cancer.
US$72 MILLION IN DAMAGES AWARDED
Fox was among more than 1,200 women from across the US who were suing the company for failing to warn consumers of the dangers associated with talc, the mineral used in its baby powder.
In the end, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay US$72 million (2.5 billion baht) to Fox's family, making this case the first in which monetary compensation was awarded. The next trial is scheduled for later this month.
SHOULD I STOP USING TALCUM POWDER?
Fox's story has, of course, stirred public paranoia, especially among fans of that powder brand.
Many wonder if they should stop using the talc-based powder.
PURE TALCUM POWDER VS. ASBESTOS MIXTURE
Gynaecological oncologist Dr Chantawat Sheanakul, however, urged consumers to not be overly panicky.
A number of brands in the global cosmetic industry have used pure talcum powder since the 1970s, which is found to have no connection with cancer.
"In its natural form, some talcum powder contains asbestos which is a substance known to cause cancers. But in the cosmetic industry, most brands do not use that any more. They only use pure talc," the doctor explained.
TALCUM POWDER IN CROTCH AREA POSSIBLY CARCINOGENIC
But importantly, the perineal use of talc-based body powder has been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
This means using talcum powder in the area between the anus and the genitals (perineal area, crotch) can possibly be harmful.
A US study a while back found that cancer of the ovary was associated with use of body powder more than those who were cancer-free.
A number of ovarian cancer patients in the study were found to sprinkle body powder on their genitals (genital organs), on the underwear, sanitary napkins or even condoms. Those who used the powder on other body parts were, however, not affected.
There are benefits of body powder which include absorbing moisture, soothing skin irritation and reducing skin friction.
Dr Chantawat, however, suggests that powder be used in moderation and only in appropriate areas of the body.
WHAT ABOUT SPRINKLING POWDER ON BABIES' BOTTOMS?
"Personally I would suggest parents not to sprinkle powder on baby's bottoms, especially if it's a girl," he said.
"Neither do I think it's wise to use powder with private areas. Sprinkling it on the body, the armpit and the neck is fine.