The fine powder acts as a shield, protecting the sensitive wound site against contact with air, moisture, and both organic and inorganic irritants. Powdered talc mixes readily with pure olive oil or high grade mineral oil, forming a suspension or emollient. It is especially valuable as a healing remedy against infected skin conditions, including scabies and deep-seated ulcers. Scabies are caused by lymph-feeding mites or chiggers, which burrow beneath the skin. Bites creating a burning itch and result in hundreds of tiny sores when scratched.
Ulcers form when harmful disease-causing germs invade a sore or wound site.
Most are antibiotic-resistant. Internally, talc powder is often used as a substitute for the fine clay, kaolin, in anti-diarrhea medicines. A spoonful of talc, added to a glass of warm water and taken as needed, slows intestinal contractions and eases diarrhea misery. However, take care when administering talc as a medicine. While it makes a good soothing remedy for irritations and to treat diarrhea, it is technically a rock poison.