Is it safe to use talc on my fupa?
March 23, 2019 9:18 AM Subscribe
I got some prescription powder to help clear up the rash on my fupa/lower tummy. But it has talc in it and I am concerned about it falling down into my panties and putting me at risk for cancer. My woman pharmacist said to only use a small amount but use it often, 2-3 times per day. Is this something to worry about? I rarely use powder and always make sure it is cornstarch and not talc, but this rash is bothersome. (fupa = fatty upper pubic area for those who don't know)
Talc is a risk when chronically inhaled, not really a contact risk when used intermittently. So maybe don’t have people huffing that area after application of talcum powder, and don’t use it multiple times a day for your whole life and you should be fine.
posted by SaltySalticid at 9:40 AM on March 23, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by SaltySalticid at 9:40 AM on March 23, 2019 [4 favorites]
This is an insignificant exposure to talc.
posted by DarlingBri at 9:59 AM on March 23, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by DarlingBri at 9:59 AM on March 23, 2019 [2 favorites]
Talc doesn't increase cancer risk by falling into your underwear. Even if you were inhaling it from that distance, this wouldn't be anywhere near enough exposure to have any kind of health risk. You're totally fine!
posted by MysteriousSympathy at 10:32 AM on March 23, 2019
posted by MysteriousSympathy at 10:32 AM on March 23, 2019
Above comment is wrong. Health Canada advises against talc use due to concerns of ovarian cancer.
That being said yes this is a small amount, it would depend how long you use it. You could always ask for a different formulation if it still bothers you.
posted by St. Peepsburg at 11:18 AM on March 23, 2019 [10 favorites]
That being said yes this is a small amount, it would depend how long you use it. You could always ask for a different formulation if it still bothers you.
posted by St. Peepsburg at 11:18 AM on March 23, 2019 [10 favorites]
Health risks aside, I found that powder tended to ball up and fail in the face of fupa sweat. So I've switched to a homemade mix of coconut oil tea tree oil and lavender oil. I use a dollop in my creases, and I am much happier and less rashy in the nether regions.
posted by ottereroticist at 11:56 AM on March 23, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by ottereroticist at 11:56 AM on March 23, 2019 [2 favorites]
The CBC article refers to direct application on the genital area. The advice/research doesn't apply to short-term use on the abdomen.
posted by MysteriousSympathy at 12:13 PM on March 23, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by MysteriousSympathy at 12:13 PM on March 23, 2019 [3 favorites]
The news about talc and the very specific risks has been known for decades now. If your doctor feels safe about this application on this area, I’d feel fine, too. The types of exposure that lead to cancer risk are not similar to what you’re describing.
posted by quince at 12:33 PM on March 23, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by quince at 12:33 PM on March 23, 2019 [1 favorite]
I use a talc-based powder there probably 1/3 of the the time. I'm a very sweaty lady, and cornstarch-based powder just balls up and gets gross. I read a lot about the potential link between talc and ovarian cancer, and made an educated decision that I'm comfortable with (here's a decent summary . There's some evidence-based research that suggests there could be a link, and lots that says there probably isn't.
The internet hysteria around this subject can be hard to parse. Even when you get to the "here's the actual studies, here's how trustworthy those studies are", some people are always going to say that any risk, no matter how small, isn't worth it. I decided it was, and your doctor seems to think it is, too.
posted by mostlymartha at 12:55 PM on March 23, 2019 [1 favorite]
The internet hysteria around this subject can be hard to parse. Even when you get to the "here's the actual studies, here's how trustworthy those studies are", some people are always going to say that any risk, no matter how small, isn't worth it. I decided it was, and your doctor seems to think it is, too.
posted by mostlymartha at 12:55 PM on March 23, 2019 [1 favorite]
just from experience from similar issues for the future, tea tree oil seems to really make a difference.
posted by wellifyouinsist at 3:26 PM on March 23, 2019
posted by wellifyouinsist at 3:26 PM on March 23, 2019
i would never do this. i'm sure you can find an alternate solution that doesn't come with all the iffiness. i'm honestly too lazy to look it up right now, but didn't they just award millions to the family of a woman who died of ovarian cancer after using talc products?
ugh, i looked it up:
https://mesothelioma.net/talcum-powder-ovarian-cancer-lawsuits/
j&j lied for a hundred years about this and the world is only just starting to catch up - doctors and pharmacists included. i would try something else.
posted by january at 7:20 PM on March 23, 2019 [1 favorite]
ugh, i looked it up:
https://mesothelioma.net/talcum-powder-ovarian-cancer-lawsuits/
j&j lied for a hundred years about this and the world is only just starting to catch up - doctors and pharmacists included. i would try something else.
posted by january at 7:20 PM on March 23, 2019 [1 favorite]
I use antiperspirant in my fupa. I don't sweat there when I do.
posted by KleenexMakesaVeryGoodHat at 10:07 AM on March 24, 2019
posted by KleenexMakesaVeryGoodHat at 10:07 AM on March 24, 2019
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Autumnheart at 9:25 AM on March 23, 2019 [1 favorite]