District Nursing service

Paraffin-based emollient products can pose a fire hazard if not used safely

The information on this page explains what an emollient is, the risks associated with using emollients and how to manage those risks.

You can 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 a moisturising treatment applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it. Emollients can be prescribed or bought over the counter as creams, ointments or gels to help manage different skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis.

Why can emollients be a fire hazard?

Emollient products are safe to use but can be a fire hazard because they contain paraffin.

If the cream, gel or ointment has dried into fabric and that fabric comes into contact with an ignition source, such as a cigarette, match, lighter, heater or candle, a fire can develop.

The emollient residue in the fabric acts as an accelerant, increasing the speed of ignition and the intensity of fire. This means a fabric with emollient residue will burn very easily and the fire will spread within seconds, which can result in serious injury or death.

People who use emollient products regularly can accidently transfer the cream, gel or ointment onto their clothing, bandages, bedding or furniture. This means all of those items could catch fire more easily if they come into contact with an ignition source.

Using emollient products safely

	Don’t smoke or allow others to smoke in your home.		Change and wash bedding frequently, preferably daily, on the hottest wash recommended to reduce the build up of emollient. This does not remove it completely so the risk may remain.
	Don’t use naked flames such as matches, lighters or candles if  clothing or bedding may have come into contact with emollient products, because they soak into the material making it flammable.		Change and wash clothes frequently on the hottest wash recommended by the manufacturer to reduce the build up of emollient. It cannot be removed completely so the risk may remain.
	Don’t cook if there is any chance that your clothing is contaminated with emollient products.		Ensure your furniture is washable or can be wiped down regularly to avoid it becoming saturated with the build up of emollient.
	Take care to not allow any oxygen equipment including masks or nasal cannula to come into contact with an emollient cream or ointment.		Share this information and advice with your family, carers and friends.

Useful contacts and resources

The Government’s public health website has more information about the safe use of emollient skin creams to treat dry skin conditions – you may also find this video helpful in explaining more about emollient safety:

Watch the video about emollient safety

For advice on fire safety in your home and to book a free safe and well visit (recommended) contact your local fire and rescue service:

• West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
  01274 385432
• North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service
  01609 788545

You may also find these services helpful:

• NHS Free Smoking Helpline 0800 022 4332 |  www.mylivingwell.co.uk
• BOC Home Oxygen Provider 0800 012 1858 | The Bradford Service | BOC Clinical Services
• Baywater Healthcare Home Oxygen Supplier 0800 022 4332