Sunburn Creams and Ointments: HSA Eligibility

What are sunburn creams and ointments?

Sunburn creams and ointments are Over-the-Counter (OTC) products designed to treat the damage suffered by skin after receiving a sunburn. Sunburns are a form of radiation burn suffered due to exposure from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Sunburned skin is reddish, hot to the touch, and may be painful. Sunburned skin undergoes a type of cell death due to the damage caused by the sun's ultraviolet rays, and skin may eventually peel.

Sunburned skin symptoms include edema, itching, peeling skin, rashes, nausea, fever, chills, and syncope. Sunburn creams and ointments are useful products to treat or reduce symptoms directly involving the skin, such as peeling, pain, redness, etc. Skin damage can be partially mitigated through the use of sunburn creams and ointments, which often contain moisturizing agents, aloe, and vitamins that help skin remain healthy despite the ultraviolet damage suffered (American Academy of Dermatology).

Sunburn creams and ointments are available OTC but must be prescribed by a medical professional in order to be considered eligible for reimbursement with a consumer-direct healthcare account. Sunburn creams and ointments are sold in a variety of tubes and spray-bottles and other containers, by multiple brands, and are available in most drug and grocery stores. Sunburn creams and ointments are usually most effective when applied immediately after receiving a sunburn, and continuously thereafter. Other effective treatments for sunburns, which may be best when used in conjunction with sunburn creams and ointments, include hydration (drinking water), aloe vera gel, and analgesics. Regular moisturizer lotion may also be effective at treating sunburn damage to skin.