Emollients (Paraffin-based products)
Bradford District Care Foundation Trust have produced this information to help you understand the risks of using emollients and how to manage them. You can also view the information on this page in a different language by selecting your chosen language in the drop down box in the top left hand corner of the page.
Please share this information and advice with your family, carers and friends.
If you require any more information regarding the use of emollient products, please speak to your health visitor, district nurse, school nurse, and other healthcare professionals.
What is an emollient?
An emollient is an example of a moisturiser generally used to to protect and lubricate the skin and come in the form of a cream, ointment, gel, lotion, spray, wash or shower and bath additive.
Do you use paraffin-based products?
These can be prescribed or bought over the counter products. Either way you need to let your health visitor, district nurse, school nurse, and other healthcare professionals know which products you are using.
Awareness
It is important to be aware that using paraffin-based products is safe, unless you come in contact with any naked flames, heaters, candles, or cigarettes.
Coming into contact with the above could cause a fire which may result in serious injury or death.
Regular use of paraffin-based products could result in the contamination of your clothing and bedding which would catch fire more easily if exposed to any heat source.
Top tips for looking after yourself and family members:
Do’s
- Change and wash your bedding and clothes frequently, preferably daily. Washing them on the hottest wash the fabrics can withstand, this may reduce the build-up of emollient, but does not remove it completely and the risk may still remain.
- Ensure your furniture is washable or you can wipe them down to avoid them becoming saturated with the paraffin-based products.
- Share this information and advice with your family, carers and friends.
Dont’s
- Don’t smoke or allow others to smoke in your home
- Don’t use naked flames such as matches, lighters and candles if there is any chance that your clothing or bedding has become contaminated with paraffin-based products.
- Don’t cook if there is a chance your clothing has become contaminated with paraffin-based products.
- Don’t use paraffin or oil-based products on your skin if using a nasal cannula with home oxygen equipment. Speak to your Healthcare Professional about using a water-based product instead.
Important facts
• Using paraffin-based products is safe unless you come in contact with any naked flames, heaters, candles or cigarettes. These could cause a fire which may result in serious injury or death.
• Regular use of paraffin-based products could result in the contamination of your clothing and bedding which would catch fire more easily if exposed to any heat source.