We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
Take care when using creams to treat dry skin conditions as they can easily dry onto clothing, bedding and bandages making them more flammable.
We inform healthcare professionals of the recent campaign to promote awareness of the risk and new resources available to support safe use following previous advice to health and care professionals.
People who use emollient creams to treat dry and itchy skin conditions are being warned that residue can build up on fabrics, such as clothing or bedding, and cause them to catch fire more easily.
Safety leaflet on topical corticosteroids and withdrawal reactions to help patients and their carers to use these medicines safely.
A new campaign to raise awareness of the fire risk and the precautions that need to be taken by users of skin creams has been launched today
Warnings about the risk of severe and fatal burns are being extended to all paraffin-based emollients regardless of paraffin concentration. Data suggest there is also a risk for paraffin-free emollients. Advise patients who use these products not to smoke or...
Smoking or a naked flame could cause patients’ dressings or clothing to catch fire when being treated with paraffin-based emollient that is in contact with the dressing or clothing.
May cause skin irritation, particularly in children with eczema, possibly due to sodium lauryl sulfate content.
Paraffin based products such as white soft paraffin can set on fire easily.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey.