Emollient skin products are widely prescribed and dispensed for various skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
They are safe to use but can soak into clothing, dressings and bedding leaving a flammable residue. If exposed to a naked flame or a heat source, such as a cigarette, lighter, gas cooker, heater or fire, these saturated fabrics can catch fire; the emollient residue will help the fire develop and spread rapidly which could result in serious injury or death.
Always:
- Always change and wash clothing and bedding on a regular basis (if possible daily) as the emollient product soaks into fabrics and is a potential fire hazard.
- Always cover your furniture or airflow cushion with throws to avoid emollient products soaking into furniture and make sure you wash the throws regularly, daily if possible. Don’t sit too close to open fires or portable heaters.
- Be careful as emollient products can cause the bath/shower to become slippery when it washes off.
- Explain to relatives, carers or anyone else in close contact about your treatment and show them this information. Carers may wish to consider adding this and other safety information to a care plan. Treatment is important, but it is also essential to stay safe when these products are being used. Seek medical advice before changing any medical products.
Avoid:
- Avoid placing heated appliances such as electric blankets, hairdryers, heated rollers and tongs on or near airflow mattresses and cushions.
- Avoid drying clothing and bedding near open fire or portable heater.
Never:
- Never smoke and warn others who may smoke around you. Make sure to safely dispose of any smoking materials.
- Never use a naked flame or ignition source such as matches, lighters and candles as your clothes, dressings or bandages may have come into contact with emollient products.
- Never cook whilst wearing clothing that may have come into contact with emollients products.
Keep away from fire when using these products
To reduce the chances of this happening, we suggest the following:
- Avoid smoking or using naked flames (and being near to others who do) whilst these products are in contact with your clothes, dressings or bandages.
- If you do smoke, where possible use fire retardant covers, bedding and/or blankets. Ensure safe disposal of smoking materials.
- Try and ensure clothes and bedding are changed regularly (if possible daily) as the skin product soaks into fabrics and is a potential fire hazard.
- Be careful to ensure that the product does not soak in to chairs or other furniture. Don’t sit too close to open fires or portable heaters.
- Be careful as skin creams can cause the bath/shower to become slippery as it does wash off the body.
- Explain to relatives, carers or anyone else in close contact about your treatment - show them this information. Carers may wish to consider adding this and other safety information to a care plan.
- Treatment is important, but it is also essential to stay safe when these products are being used. Alternative water based products which are safer may be suitable. Seek medical advice before changing any medical products.