Skin Creams Might Lead to Accidental Fire Deaths

Skin creams can lead to accidental fire deaths by getting soaked in fabric and making them more prone to catch fire.

Emollients can get soaked in clothes and make them more prone to catching fire from smoking or a nearby flame. 

(Photo: iStockphoto)

Skincare regimes are almost incomplete without hydrating and moisturizing the skin in all ways possible.

Morning, afternoon, before-bath, after-bath, before bed, on-the-go; we tend to apply our favorite skin cream as often as we possibly can.

A recent press release by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), UK, thus, comes as a major shock.

Apparently, our beloved lotions might put us at risk of catching fire!

The press release is concerned with the use of emollients as moisturizing treatments applied directly on the skin to soothe it and cure itching, dryness and scaliness, especially in skin conditions like psoriasis and ichthyosis. They are non-cosmetic and come in the form of creams, ointments, lotions and gels.

There is likelihood that when fabrics soak these emollient products, they become more prone to catching fire from an individual smoking or being near a naked flame. While this probability is low, if it does occur, it can cause severe burns that may even result in death.

In its statement, the Ministry has said,

We want users to be aware that fabrics which have come into contact with an emollient can be highly flammable, even after washing. The risk is greater when emollients are applied in large quantities or to large areas of the body.

The report mentions 50 such reported death incidents where the build-up of emollients on bedding and clothing may have contributed to the speed and intensity of fire. Many of these fires were caused by people who smoked and were unaware of the fire risks associated with emollient build-up on fabrics.

Therefore, it recommended that product packaging needs to warn consumers of the potential risks involved in using creams. Moreover, regularly washing clothes and bedsheets might mitigate the possibility.

A report in BBC mentions John Smith from the Proprietary Association of Great Britain,

Emollient products are an important and effective treatment for chronic and often severe dry skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.People should continue to use these products but it is vital they understand the fire risk associated with a build-up of residue on fabric and take steps to mitigate that risk.