Use of emollient skin creams and the risk of serious injury due to fire burns or fire deaths

With bonfire night approaching, people will be planning to gather privately or in public places where there will be open fires and fireworks (taking into consideration relevant Government Covid -19 guidance in their area). Pharmacists are reminded to raise awareness to users of emollient skin creams the risk of fire and precautions that need to be taken to prevent serious injury or death caused by fire burns.

Earlier in the year, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) launched a campaign to raise awareness of the fire risk and the precautions that need to be taken by users of skin creams.

Emollient skin creams are used by thousands of people every day to manage dry, itchy or scaly skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis. The creams are easily transferred from skin on to clothing and bedding. When fabric with dried-on cream comes into contact with a naked flame, the resulting fire burns quickly and intensely and can result in serious injury or death. Since 2010, more than 50 deaths and serious injuries have been linked to the use of emollient skin creams.

The MHRA have published guidance and a video on the safe use of emollients skin creams to treat dry skin conditions.