Talcum Powder

[GaRN1952]

Several years ago, we eliminated the use of powder on ICU patients. I think it had something to do with respiratory issues. Now I am at a new ICU and the nurses use so much powder it gets caked in the patient's creases. I have been looking for EBP regarding powder but have had no luck. Can anyone provide a reference?

[felineRN]

I found a case study and an article.

The case study refers more to this as a lung irritant (in an infant in this case.):

http://www.emedmag.com/PDF/043010017.pdf

The second study just states it is no longer recommended as a drying agent for skin in terms of fecal/urinary incontinence:

An overview of skin care and faecal incontinence | Practice | Nursing Times

There are many articles describing possible risk for ovarian cancer in women who have been exposed as well as talcum powder poisoning. I hope this helps you somewhat. :)

[amoLucia]

There was a time, long time back, when corn starch was used like baby powder. It too became prohibited where I worked. Actually, had one old time MD write up an incident report for its use on one of his pts. He absolutely FORBADE the stuff being used. As I remember, had something to do with yeast infections, not resp issues (although one could inhale yeast, I guess).

Try cross-referencing your search for corn starch/yeast infections. Worth a try.

Some people seem to think if a little powder is good, a lot must be better! Some pts look like they've been buried in a snow avalanche!