Emollients: Fire Risk Alerts

The below leaflet is from the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and the National Fire Chiefs Council.

SKIN CREAMS: ALERT

Clothing, bedding, dressings and bandages with skin cream dried on them can catch fire easily causing severe and fatal burns

Creams are important in managing different skin conditions. You should continue to use your skin products as directed by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. However, it is also important that you are aware of the potential danger and know how to keep safe when using these products.

STAY AWAY FROM NAKED FLAMES AND HEAT SOURCES WHEN USING THESE PRODUCTS

Do you use a skin cream, ointment, lotion, gel, spray, bath oil or soap substitute (sometimes called emollients)? They are used to manage dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and icthyosis.

Some dressings and bandages may come with ointment already on them. Emollients can transfer from your skin onto clothing, bedding and bandages. In the presence of an ignition source, fabric with emollient dried on it can catch fire much more quickly and burn hotter than clean fabric. This can cause severe burns and even death.

HOW TO USE EMOLLIENTS SAFELY

Do not smoke, cook or go near to any naked flames or heat sources such as gas, halogen, electric bar or open fires whilst wearing clothing or dressings that have been in contact with emollient-treated skin. If this is not possible, take steps to reduce the risk; e.g., use a safety lighter or e-cigarette, remove long sleeved or loose clothing before cooking, put a thick uncontaminated shirt, overall or apron over your clothes and move your chair further away from the open fire or other heat source.

Change and wash your clothes frequently (preferably daily). Washing your clothes at the highest temperature recommended by the manufacturer might reduce the build-up of emollient on them but does not remove it completely and the danger may remain.

Take care the cream doesn’t dry onto cushions, soft furnishings and bedding. If it does, use uncontaminated throws/covers on your seating and wash your bedding frequently as above.

Tell your relatives or carers about your treatment and show them this leaflet. Those who care for you can help to keep you safe.

Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you normally smoke. They will be able to offer you help and advice to stop smoking.