Eczema creams ‘put you at risk of bursting into flames due to build-up in clothes’
Any emollient cream, including paraffin-free creams, pose a fire risk if they are exposed to heat
SKIN creams could pose a fire risk, experts have warned.
Eczema creams can build up in clothing and increase the risk of the fabric bursting into flames, health bosses said.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is calling for labelling on emollient creams, also used to treat psoriasis and itchyosi.
Clothing, bedding and dressings with patches of dried cream could burst into flames if they're exposed to high heats, they warned.
While the risk is low, the MHRA said eczema sufferers should avoid going near naked flames and avoid smoking or smokers.
When these creams catch light they can cause severe burns, even death.
There have been more than 50 deaths in the UK where emollient creams contributed to the spread of fire, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council.
Emollients are moisturising treatments applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it.
They cover the skin with a protective film to trap in moisture.
"We want users to be aware that fabrics which have come into contact with an emollient can be highly flammable, even after washing," the health body said in a statement.
The risk of clothes catching fire is greater when the creams are applied to a large part of the body.
June Raine, director of MHRA’s vigilance and risk management of medicines division 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.
FIND OUT MORE What are eczema and dermatitis, what are the signs and causes and how can you treat the painful skin condition?
"Our new evidence-based recommendations are intended to empower proper use of these tried and trusted treatments and we are working with industry to support delivery of prompt packaging and labelling warnings and advice.
"If you use emollients and have any questions or concerns, we’d recommend speaking to a healthcare professional, such as your pharmacist or GP."
It was previously thought the risk only occurred with emollients which contain more than 50 per cent paraffins, but evidence now suggests there is also a risk with emollients which contain lower levels of paraffin and even with paraffin-free emollients.
NEW RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN MEDICINES
THE Commission on Human Medicines, along with the Medicines and and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, is calling for changes to the labelling of emollient creams.
The changes will include:
- outer packaging and product containers should include a warning about the fire hazard and advice not to smoke, accompanied by short explanatory text and a picture warning in the most prominent field of view
- where available, the Patient Information Leaflet or Instructions for Use and the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) should be updated to include warnings about the risk and how best to minimise it
These changes will warn users of the potential fire risks associated with using any emollient cream
Watch Manager Chris Bell, the National Fire Chiefs Council's lead for emollient creams and of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We welcome this recommendation.
"There have now been in excess of 50 deaths in the UK where the build-up of emollients on bedding, dressings or clothing may have contributed to the speed and intensity of the fire.
"Many of these fires were caused by people who smoked and were unaware of the fire risks associated with emollient build-up on fabrics.
MORE ON ECZEMA
"We have been trying to raise awareness about this issue with the public and health and care professionals.
"Ensuring that these products carry warnings will certainly help us as we continue to work with pharmacists, the NHS and care sector to prevent any future deaths."
John Smith, chief executive of PAGB, the consumer healthcare association, said patients shouldn't stop using emollient creams if they have itchy skin conditions.
"Emollient products are an important and effective treatment for chronic and often severe dry skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis," he said.
"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 pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours