Why does fabric matter?
An emollient is a moisturising treatment that covers skin with a protective film to trap moisture, a rather grand title for keeping water where it belongs. The precautions here are general emollient fire safety advice and apply to creams and ointments.23
Emollients are not themselves flammable in normal use or when on the body. Once residue transfers to fabric, however, it makes that fabric easier to ignite. Even one application can increase the risk, and repeated applications add more residue. A resulting fire can cause severe injury or death. Clothing and sheets are not the only concern: bandages, blankets, cushions and upholstered chairs can also collect residue through contact with treated skin.134
What should you keep away from?
- Do not smoke while wearing clothes or bandages that have been in contact with an emollient. Do not smoke in bed, where bedding can contain residue.
- Keep affected fabrics away from candles, naked flames and other potential ignition sources.
- When cooking, avoid leaning over a hot hob. Remove loose or long sleeved clothing that could reach a flame, and roll up sleeves where possible.
- Sit at least one metre away from a heater and follow its manufacturer's instructions.
- Avoid transferring emollient onto fabric furniture, cushions and blankets when sitting or lying down.
Does washing remove the risk?
Change and wash clothes and bedding frequently to reduce residue buildup. Washing does not remove all the emollient, even at high temperatures, so freshly washed fabric can still pose a fire risk. Keep following the precautions around flames and heat after laundering. Do not treat a wash cycle as permission to smoke in affected clothing or bedding.12
Should you stop using it or switch products?
Emollients come as creams, lotions, ointments, gels and sprays, because apparently moisturising needs a full cast. Switching to an emollient without paraffin does not remove the fabric fire hazard. If you use an emollient for a dry skin condition, continue using it as directed while managing the fire risk. The practical change is to control residue and ignition sources, rather than abandon the treatment.34
Who needs extra help with fire safety?
People over 60, people who smoke and those with reduced mobility are at greater risk. Spending long periods in bed or an armchair deserves particular attention. Ask your local fire and rescue service about a home fire safety assessment, especially if escaping a fire would be difficult. Tell relatives and carers about emollient use so they can help manage affected fabrics and ignition sources. If you smoke, tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist so they can offer help with stopping.134
