ECZEMA sufferers’ clothes could burst into flames in a matter of seconds, shocking tests have shown.
Creams used to treat the chronic skin condition can dry into the fabric and pose a “significant fire risk”, forensic scientists have warned.
The team at Anglia Ruskin University tested different creams and different fabrics.
They found plain strips of fabric took an average of 65 seconds to ignite.
But those containing residue from emollient creams caught fire in less than 20 seconds.
Tragic cases of fires linked to the creams
Dr Sarah Hall, who led the study, said: “We were driven to carry out this work following a couple of tragic cases reported to us by Essex Fire and Rescue Service that were linked to fires and the use of emollients.
“Our initial research focused on the range of paraffin-based creams, as this seemed the most obvious reason for flammability.
“However, we are now seeing that fabric that has been contaminated with any of these creams reacts in a similar way.”
Dr Hall said her team are now working to try and find out which ingredients are responsible.
And they’re looking at how best to remove the residue from clothing and bedding – for example, the best washing temperature to eliminate the risk.
Creams should come with fire hazard warning
Lots of studies have found the build up of eczema and psoriasis creams in fabrics can pose a fire hazard.
While the risk is low, the MHRA warned eczema sufferers should avoid going near naked flames, smoking or being near smokers.
When the worst does happen the creams can catch light causing severe burns, even death.
50 deaths blamed on creams
There have been more than 50 deaths in the UK where the creams contributed to the spread of the fire, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council.
Watch manager Chris Bell, emollient lead at the council, said: “We want to reassure people that emollients are safe to use.
“They are an effective treatment for skin conditions so people should continue to use them.
“However, people should be aware that when using emollients they can come into contact with fabrics, clothing, bedding or bandages which then dries leaving a flammable residue.
“The fabric can then be easily ignited with smoking materials such as matches and lighters, naked flames or other heat sources.
LABELLING MUST WARN OF FIRE RISK
THE Commission on Human Medicines, along with the MHRA, is calling for changes to the labelling of emollient creams.
The changes will include:
- outer packaging and product containers should include a warning about the fire hazard and advice not to smoke, accompanied by short explanatory text and a picture warning in the most prominent field of view
- where available, the Patient Information Leaflet or Instructions for Use and the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) should be updated to include warnings about the risk and how best to minimise it
These changes will warn users of the potential fire risks associated with using any emollient cream
MORE ON ECZEMA
“We are asking people who prescribe, dispense or apply these products to be aware that switching to a lower or paraffin-emollient will not reduce the fire risk.
“Washing fabrics will reduce the risk but may not totally remove it.”
The new findings are published in the Fire Safety Journal.
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News Photo Shocking video shows how eczema and psoriasis creams can cause clothes to burst into flames in seconds
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