Body Powder for Sweaty Skin Folds: Talc Questions and Rash Care

Sweat that collects under the breasts, in the belly folds or between the thighs can leave skin red, sore and smelly. A shake of body powder is a common fix. Here is what to know about the powder itself and the rash it’s often used for.

The skin-fold rash

Intertrigo is an inflamed rash in skin folds such as the underarms, under the breasts, belly folds and groin. Heat, friction, moisture and poor air flow set it off.¹ Yeast (Candida) often moves in and makes it worse.¹ It’s more common with obesity, diabetes and incontinence, all of which keep skin warm and damp.¹

Doctors manage it by reducing moisture, treating any infection, and using drying agents and barrier creams. Loose clothing and absorbent powders can help prevent it.¹

Questions about talc

Talc is a mined mineral used in cosmetics to absorb moisture.²

• Asbestos contamination. Talc and asbestos can be found near each other in the earth, and asbestos is a known cancer-causing substance when inhaled. The FDA² has tested talc-containing cosmetics for asbestos over several years.²
• Proposed testing rule. In December 2024, the FDA² proposed requiring standard testing methods for asbestos in talc-containing cosmetics.²
• Genital use. Studies going back to the 1960s have suggested a possible link between using talc powders in the genital area and ovarian cancer. The FDA² says the studies haven’t conclusively shown a link and more research is needed.²

If you’d rather avoid talc, read the ingredient list. Many powders use other absorbent ingredients.

Using powder well

1. Start with clean, fully dry skin. Pat folds dry after bathing.
2. Use a light layer and avoid creating a cloud you breathe in.
3. Skip powder in the genital area if you have concerns, and talk with your clinician.
4. Wear loose, breathable clothing and change out of damp clothes.¹
5. Don’t use powder on broken, oozing skin. That rash needs a clinician’s look, since it may need antifungal or other treatment.¹

Our guides to sweat under the breasts and painful lumps in skin folds cover related problems.

Try: “I keep getting a red, sore rash under my breasts in hot weather. Could it be yeast, and what should I use to keep the area dry?”

Arms Up includes a Fresh Log and a zone-by-zone match. Use them to track which areas sweat, what you’ve tried and how your skin responded. See the book.