Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Medical experts in Nigeria have issued a strong warning against the routine use of dusting powders on infants, cautioning that the practice, widely adopted by parents to manage prickly heat during periods of extreme heat and unstable electricity supply, may contribute to respiratory complications, severe jaundice, and in extreme cases, permanent brain damage.
The warning follows growing concern among paediatricians that many caregivers continue to apply talcum- or cornstarch-based powders on babies despite mounting evidence that such products do not effectively treat or prevent heat rash, medically known as miliaria. Health specialists say the trend has become more common in households struggling with high temperatures and frequent power outages, where cooling systems are often unavailable.
According to child health experts, dusting powders can worsen skin irritation by clumping with sweat and further blocking already obstructed sweat ducts in infants. They explained that prickly heat occurs when sweat glands become clogged under hot and humid conditions, a situation currently widespread across Nigeria due to rising temperatures and limited access to cooling.
Beyond skin irritation, paediatricians warn that the greatest danger lies in inhalation. Fine particles from dusting powders can easily become airborne and be breathed in by infants, whose respiratory systems are still developing. Experts say this may lead to coughing, wheezing, airway inflammation, chemical irritation of the lungs, and in severe cases, long-term lung damage or pneumonia.
Medical professionals further caution that both talc-based and cornstarch-based powders carry similar risks, although talc particles are typically finer and therefore more easily inhaled. In addition to respiratory concerns, powders containing additives such as menthol or camphor have raised particular alarm due to their potential toxicity in newborns.
Specialists explain that in infants with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, a genetic enzyme disorder that is relatively common in Nigeria and affects a significant proportion of male newborns, exposure to menthol or camphor can trigger haemolysis, a condition in which red blood cells break down rapidly. This can lead to severe jaundice shortly after birth, and if untreated, may progress to kernicterus, a form of permanent brain damage.
Paediatricians note that kernicterus remains one of the leading preventable causes of cerebral palsy in Nigeria, underscoring the severity of the risks associated with seemingly harmless household remedies. They add that some locally produced powders, including those used traditionally for baby care and cord treatment, may contain unregulated additives, impurities, or contaminants that further increase the danger of allergic reactions, skin damage, or toxicity.
Experts also warn that the inhalation risk is particularly dangerous in newborns due to their narrow airways and immature lungs, which make them more vulnerable to obstruction and inflammation. In addition, excessive use of powder can dry out the skin, disrupt its natural protective barrier, and trap bacteria or fungi when mixed with sweat, potentially leading to secondary infections.
Leading paediatricians interviewed stressed that the continued reliance on dusting powders is largely driven by environmental and infrastructural challenges, particularly unreliable electricity supply and rising temperatures across the country. These conditions have led many parents to seek quick, affordable solutions to manage heat-related discomfort in infants, despite medical warnings.
Medical experts instead recommend safer alternatives, including keeping babies in lightweight cotton clothing, ensuring regular bathing or gentle sponging with lukewarm water, and maintaining clean, dry skin folds such as the neck, groin, and armpits. They also advise improving airflow in living spaces through natural ventilation or the use of battery-powered or solar fans where possible.
Paediatricians further emphasize the importance of avoiding overdressing infants and ensuring frequent diaper changes to prevent heat buildup and skin irritation. They advise caregivers to monitor rashes closely and seek medical attention if symptoms persist beyond a few days, if signs of infection such as pus appear, or if the child develops fever or general unwellness.
Some specialists also point to safer topical alternatives, particularly zinc oxide-based creams, which are widely used to relieve skin irritation without the risks associated with inhalation or toxic absorption. However, they caution that even such products must be used appropriately and sourced from reliable manufacturers to avoid adulteration.
Doctors have also raised concerns about certain locally popular powders that are marketed as natural or traditional remedies. While some may contain zinc oxide as their active ingredient, experts warn that adulteration with harmful substances, including heavy metals, has been reported in some products, increasing potential long-term health risks for infants.
Public health experts say the issue highlights a broader gap in health education and infant care awareness, particularly in regions where climate conditions and infrastructure challenges intersect. They stress that while prickly heat is common in hot climates, it is generally manageable without the use of powders if proper hygiene and cooling measures are observed.
The warnings come amid broader concerns over infant health outcomes in Nigeria, where preventable conditions such as severe neonatal jaundice continue to contribute to long-term neurological complications, including cerebral palsy. Medical professionals say improved caregiver awareness and early intervention are critical to reducing these risks.
As temperatures continue to rise in many parts of the country, paediatricians are urging parents and caregivers to rely on evidence-based practices rather than traditional or convenience-driven remedies. They emphasize that protecting infants from overheating should focus on safe environmental adjustments rather than products that may introduce new health hazards.
Health authorities are expected to intensify public awareness campaigns in response to the growing concerns, with doctors calling for stronger regulation of baby care products and improved dissemination of infant health guidelines at community level.
For now, experts maintain that while dusting powders remain widely used in many households, the risks they pose to infants—particularly in contexts of heat stress and genetic vulnerability—make them an unsafe option for routine baby care.
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