Baby Powder: HSA Eligibility

What is baby powder?

Baby powder has innumerable uses in the modern home, but it is most often associated with baby care and alleviating the effects of diaper rash. This powder, which is typically derived from talcum but can also be found in variants made with corn starch, is designed to absorb moisture after diaper changes to avoid unnecessary rashes. Additionally, baby powder has the additional benefit of preventing friction in a child's private areas that could lead to uncomfortable chafing and other skin conditions if they are left unchecked over time (Healthline).

Is baby powder safe?

While baby powder has been used for generations to prevent diaper rash, in recent decades, its use has been severely discouraged by healthcare professionals. The American Academy of Pediatrics now maintains an official stance against baby powder because of the risk of respiratory problems for both mother and child. A baby's developing lungs can be very sensitive to particulates found in baby powder, especially premature infants, babies with congenital heart disease, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or a history of prior respiratory ailments.

If parents do decide to use baby powder, bear in mind that talc-based and corn starch powders feature small, easily-inhaled particles. As such, when using this powder, be sure to use only a small amount and put the powder on hands first, away from the baby instead of on his/her skin directly. Additionally, excessive powder use could lead to buildup between diaper changes that can contribute to skin irritation. After every diaper change, be sure to wash away any excess powder, and pay particular attention to spaces between folds in the baby's skin that may contain some trapped powder.

Why isn't baby powder reimbursement covered?

According to Internal Revenue Code 213(d), which defines medical care in terms of qualified medical expenses, "medical care includes amounts paid for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body." Because baby powder is not primarily used to prevent or alleviate specific medical condition, it is not eligible for reimbursement with an FSA, HSA, HRA, LPFSA or DCFSA.