Caution

Customers who are using emollient therapy should be aware of the potential risk of serious burns, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Emollient products are not flammable themselves. However, they act as an accelerant, increasing the speed of ignition and intensity of fire when fabric with dried-on residue is ignited.

Fabrics that have come into contact with an emollient, such as clothing, bedding and dressings, can be highly flammable, even after washing. This warning includes both paraffin-based and paraffin-free emollient products.

The MHRA therefore says patients should be advised:

• Not to smoke, use naked flames (or be near people who are smoking or using naked flames) or go near anything that may cause a fire while emollients are in contact with their clothing or medical dressings
• To change clothing and bedding regularly – this may remove some of the product build-up, but not all of it.