Safe use of emollient skin creams to treat dry skin conditions

AI Summary

This safety guidance, issued by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in partnership with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), addresses the fire risks associated with emollient skin creams used for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. While the document does not focus on a specific company inspection or violation, it outlines a regulatory framework based on findings from a December 2018 Drug Safety Update. The primary safety concern is that these creams transfer from the skin onto clothing, bedding, and bandages. Once the residue dries on fabric, it becomes highly flammable, causing fires to burn more intensely and rapidly, which has led to serious injuries and fatalities. To mitigate these risks, the MHRA requires several precautionary actions: users must avoid smoking or using naked flames while wearing treated fabrics and should consider using e-cigarettes or flameless lighters. Although frequent laundering of clothes and bedding is recommended, the guidance warns that even high-temperature washing cannot completely remove the flammable residue. Additionally, users are advised to protect furniture from contact with the cream, inform caregivers of the risks, and consult healthcare professionals for support with smoking cessation. The MHRA provides a suite of educational resources, including leaflets and posters, to help healthcare providers and fire services communicate these safety requirements effectively.