Potential fire hazard from skin products containing paraffin
Potential fire hazard from skin products containing liquid paraffin and/or white soft paraffin. The skin products themselves are not flammable, it is the clothing, bedding or bandages covered in these skin products containing paraffin that are at risk of catching fire.
The risk does appear to be associated with white soft paraffin and/or liquid paraffin.
What skin products do these include?
Skin products containing liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin are used as moisturisers for multiple skin conditions including eczema. They are used in all age groups.
Common products containing liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin would include emulsifying ointment, Duoleum, Aqueous crème, Lipobase, Cetomacrogol crème, oily crème and some bath oils. This list is not exclusive and other products do contain liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin. If concerned you should check the ingredients on the label or ask your doctor or Pharmacist.
What you need to know
If you or someone you care for is using skin products containing paraffin there is a risk that smoking or using a naked flame could cause your bedding or bandages or clothing to catch fire.
- To stop this from happening, do not smoke or use naked flames while the skin products containing paraffin are in contact with your bedding, clothing or bandages.
- Do not go near anything that may cause a fire while the skin product containing paraffin is in contact with your clothing or bandages.
- Change your clothing, bedding and bandages regularly, preferably daily, because the skin products containing paraffin soak into the fabric and build up and then become a fire hazard.
- Tell your relatives and caregivers about your treatment and inform them of the potential risk.
If you have questions, please contact your dermatologist or pharmacist regarding potential risks.
Should I stop using these products?
The advice is not to suddenly stop using these products, particularly if they are important in controlling your skin condition. However, observe the above precautions and discuss concerns with your dermatologist next time you see them.
