Diaper Rash Cream & Ointment: HSA Eligibility

What is diaper rash?

Diaper rash, also known as diaper dermatitis, appears on the skin in the diaper area, and while it can affect infants and children up to 2 years of age, it typically occurs between the periods of 9-12 months when babies are sitting often and just beginning to eat solid foods. The underlying skin irritation of diaper rash has numerous potential causes, such as friction between the skin and the diaper, as well as irritation caused by moisture and buildup of acid from urine and bowel movements. In some cases, diaper rash can be a result of a fungal or bacterial infection, which can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medicines. Last but not least, diaper rash can also be a result of an allergic reaction to cleaning agents, diaper wipes/materials, laundry detergents, soaps or lotion that are applied to the diaper areas (Mayo Clinic).

How does diaper rash cream & ointment eliminate diaper rash?

The first course of action to relieve diaper rash is to ensure that the baby's diapers are changed regularly and these areas are kept dry, as well as closely monitoring the cleaning products used to ensure that they are not contributing to outbreaks of diaper rash. However, in most cases, an over-the-counter or prescription treatment will be necessary to cure diaper rash and there are a wealth of creams and ointments on the market that can do just that.

Diaper rash cream & ointments constitute a wide range of potential treatments which are designed to tackle the nature of the disorder itself. While some are simple skin drying products or those designed for the sensitive nature of a baby's skin, doctors may suggest more advanced topical products. These include via Mayo Clinic:

• Steroid Creams: These topical products typically contain a steroid like hydrocortisone, which is particularly effective in combating skin inflammation, redness and swelling associated with diaper rash. However, this treatment should only be used under the advisement of a physician, as frequent use of strong steroids could lead to more advanced health issues.
• Anti-Fungal Treatments: If the source of the baby's diaper rash is a fungal infection, the only topical creams that will clear this infection are those that contain an effective fungicide. This should be used as directly until the diaper rash is cleared.
• Antibacterial Treatments: Because of the buildup of urine, feces and other material within diapers, there is a good chance that diaper rash will be caused by bacteria. Antibiotic topical treatments to kill bacteria are the only means of eliminating these bacterial infections, and with regular treatment they should clear in several days and weeks.