Dr. Howard's Butt Balm Testing Regional Markets

    It may not be the most glamorous objective in the world, but smoothing the butts of babies is no small thing either. And that is the intention of Dr. David Snow Howard of Ocean View. Howard has developed his own compound for the problem of diaper rash. Long recommended by area mothers to each other, Howard's cream has been distributed by prescription from Beebe Medical Center. Now the stuff - affectionately titled "Snow Balm" - is available over the counter in area drug stores. Snow Balm proudly proclaims itself as "The Best You Can Buy." Any discussion with Howard is steeped in such claims. To take it further, any discussion with mothers who have used it is bound to include something along the lines of the same thing.

    Dr. Howard is a small man with white hair and look in his eyes far younger than his years would imply. Dwarfed by the plethora of doctor-related items on his desk and bookshelf, Howard is a soft spoken as he is firm in what he's speaking about. He's been practicing pediatrics in Ocean View for about 20 years - except Thursdays in general however, a day reserved by a permanent "Gone Fishing" tag on his business hours.

    Howard's quick to explain the curative powers of Snow Balm, even though the secret that makes it work will remain with him and his family. "The certain thing," as Howard refers to it, was found by him in 1948. He played with it, modified it in terms of formulation and percentage of ingredients and it worked. Howard's first patients were his children and the results were good. Little did they know at the time, however, the effect it would have on them years later as well.

    Snow Balm is a family affair. With his sons, he has manufactured it, marked it, applied for a patent, and put it on shelves of area drug stores. As this goes to press, a state-wide, distribution contract is being signed. As Snow Pharmaceuticals Inc., the family fills the small containers by hand, sticks on the label and takes it to its destination. And Howard's pride in the operation is as telling as it is in the product.

    Coming soon in the first trade promotion of the product through an upcoming Delaware Academy of Family Physicians meeting. Howard has big dreams for Snow Balm, though he's realistic enough to be patient. As he tells it, "We're going to crawl before we walk." As well as stopping diaper rash, Howard believes there are geriatric possibilities for Snow Balm. That, however, will be more fully marketed later. For now, Howard is pleased with the progress of the one-time home remedy. And now more than ever, babies' butts everywhere are a little better off.

Reprinted with permission from the Delmarva News--April 4, 1990