Talc is a very soft mineral that develops naturally in sedimentary rock. Many people do not realise that talc can be a helpful home remedy for many skin ailments. By applying talc to the skin in a certain way, you can effectively treat the symptoms of heat rash, chickenpox and excessive sweating.
Step One
Heat Rash - Talc is cooling on the skin and can help reduce the effects of heat rash. After bathing or showering, cover the area effected by heat rash with a layer of talcum powder. Leave the powder on your skin for at least 20 minutes.
Step Two
Chickenpox - Talc acts as an anti-itching substance on the skin, and can be helpful in reducing the chronic itching that accompanies a chickenpox virus. Talcum powder can be applied to chickenpox breakouts as a compress. Pour 1/2 cup of talcum powder onto a cloth, and moisten it slightly. Apply the compress to the chickenpox blisters, and leave it there for up to 30 minutes.
Step Three
Calm Oily Hair - Just like your pet can benefit from talcum powder in their “hair,” so can you. When you’re in a rush and cannot commit to washing and drying your hair – treat dull and oily locks with a sprinkle of baby powder. Leave it in for about five minutes, and then comb the powder through. The powder will absorb excess oil in the scalp and your hair.
Step Four
Garden Help - Before planting your flower bulbs, a light dusting of talcum powder can help reduce the risk of rot. Place five to six bulbs in a sealed plastic bag with three tablespoons of the powder. Gently shake the bag a couple of times. This method will also repel moles, grubs, voles, and other pests that like to eat bulbs.
Step Five
Absorb Grease - If you’ve spilled a bit of greasy food on your shirt, treat splatters by dabbing the stain with a bit of talcum powder. Rub it in well and then brush off any excess powder. Repeat the process until you see that the stain has disappeared.
Step Six
Fight Bed Bugs - Some people have tried suffocating bed bugs by sprinkling talcum powder on their mattress. The best kind to use will contain talc. You can also treat the cracks in the wall and other holes that the pests may hide or enter your home.
Step Seven
Cool Summer Sheets - To prevent the annoyance of hot, sticky sheets in the summertime, sprinkle a bit of talcum powder between the sheets before slipping under the covers.
Step Eight
Putting on Rubber Gloves - Sometimes, it’s a real pain to put on rubber gloves when you have a bit of dirty work to do. However, make things much easier when you lightly dust your fingers with talcum powder. This approach will make it less difficult to put on your rubber gloves.