People who use emollient creams to dry and itchy skin conditions are being warned they can build up in fabrics and cause them to catch fire easily. The medicines regulator says clear warnings are needed on bottles to warn users.
Emollient products are not flammable products but can increase the speed of ignition and intensity of the fire when on a fabric. Data shows that products containing less than 50% paraffins have been associated with fatal burns and paraffin-free products also have fire accelerant effects when built up on a fabric.
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency are aware of 11 cases where paraffin-based emollients are suspected have contributed to the speed and intensity of a fire, resulting in fatal burns injury. There are also 50 fire incidents (49 fatal) reported by Fire and Rescue services across the UK between 2000 and November 2018 which emollients where known to be used by the victims or were present at the fire.
It is suggested that people should know more about the risks of emollient products but not stop using them.
June Raine, from the MHRA, said: “We don’t want to unduly worry people into not using these products, which offer relief for what can be chronic skin conditions, but it is equally important people are aware of the risks and take steps to mitigate them.
“If you use emollients and have any questions or concerns, we’d recommend speaking to a healthcare professional, such as your pharmacist or GP.”
John Smith, from the Proprietary Association of Great Britain, said: “Emollient products are an important and effective treatment for chronic and often severe dry skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.
“People should continue to use these products but it is vital they understand the fire risk associated with a build-up of residue on fabric and take steps to mitigate that risk.
“We have been working with MHRA during its review of the evidence to ensure the warning is implemented consistently across industry and to support efforts to raise awareness of this issue.”
The Commission on Human Medicines advised companies that the following was needed to protect public health:
- outer packaging and product containers should include a warning about the fire hazard, with the advice not to smoke or go near naked flames
- where available, the Patient Information Leaflet or Instructions for Use and the Summary of Product Characteristics should be updated to include warnings about the risk and how best to minimise it
