# Safe use of emollient skin creams to treat dry skin conditions Source: https://www.keypedia.com/records/uk_mhra_guidance/uk-mhra/8d674951-7648-46ca-99d5-fe610ccd5c6f Type: Detailed Guide Published: July 28, 2020 Updated: May 26, 2021 > 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. --- ## Content Safe use of emollients video Safe use of emollients A version with Welsh subtitles is available on YouTube Many people use skin creams, sometimes called emollients, every day to help manage different dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis. The creams transfer easily from skin onto clothing, bedding and bandages. Tests and research have shown that the dried-on cream makes the fabric more flammable and the resulting fire burns quickly and intensely, resulting in serious injury or death. It’s important for anyone using these creams to avoid any naked flame. If you use an emollient or skin cream to treat a dry skin condition, please follow this advice. Avoid smoking Do not smoke, use naked flames or get near to anything that may cause a fire while wearing clothing or a bandage that has been in contact with skin creams. If this is not possible, you must take steps to ensure you are safe when you smoke or use naked flames. For example, by using a flameless lighter or e-cigarette, and removing long sleeved or baggy clothing before using a gas hob. Change and wash clothes and bedding Change and wash your clothes and bedding frequently to reduce the build-up of skin cream. However, remember that while washing your clothing and bedding even at high temperatures might reduce the build-up, it does not remove it completely. The danger may remain. Keep cream off furniture Be careful to make sure the skin cream does not get onto the fabric of armchairs or other furniture, cushions and blankets. Be aware that the cream can transfer from your skin onto the fabric of furniture when you are sitting or lying on it. Tell relatives and carers Tell your relatives or carers about your treatment and ask how they can help you to reduce the risk. Download the leaflet on this page for them. Tell your healthcare professional Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you normally smoke. They will be able to offer you help and advice to stop smoking. Further advice and resources For advice and guidance to help minimise the risk when using emollients, talk to your local fire and rescue service. Digital resources and further information to help fire services promote the campaign is available to download below. MHRA and NFCC emollients A4 information sheet for healthcare professionals ( PDF , 1.74 MB , 1 page ) - single page A4 information sheet MHRA and NFCC emollients leaflet A5 - Welsh version ( PDF , 2.08 MB , 2 pages ) - 2 page PDF leaflet MHRA and NFCC emollients leaflet A5 ( PDF , 1.43 MB , 2 pages ) - 2 page PDF leaflet MHRA and NFCC emollients poster with text A3 ( PDF , 2.01 MB , 1 page ) - A3 poster with footer text and space for your logo MHRA and NFCC emollients poster background A3 ( PNG , 8.55 MB ) - A3 background poster image for use in MS Office and DTP software MHRA and NFCC emollients alert sticker ( PNG , 5.58 KB ) - 70mm x 35mm sticker graphic MHRA and NFCC emollients toolkit presentation pack ( MS PowerPoint Presentation , 17.1 MB ) - Slide presentation pack Further information for healthcare professionals is available in the Drug Safety Update (DSU) article published in December 2018. ## Attachments - [MHRA and NFCC emollients poster with text A3](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f20409c8fa8f57acdd8de51/MHRA_Emollients_poster_A3_-_footer_inc.pdf) - [MHRA and NFCC emollients poster background A3](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f2040e7e90e071a5c78d5c9/MHRA_Emollients_poster_background_A3.png) - [MHRA and NFCC emollients alert sticker](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f2041058fa8f57ad0429029/70x35mm_sticker.png) - [MHRA and NFCC emollients toolkit presentation pack](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f214d308fa8f57acebf671c/20200729_Emollients_TOOLKIT_Slides_Final.pptx) - [MHRA and NFCC emollients leaflet A5](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f218180d3bf7f1b17facd62/Emollients_A5_leaflet_290720.pdf) - [MHRA and NFCC emollients leaflet A5 - Welsh version](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/60ae6628d3bf7f7387a6cecb/A5_emollients_leaflet_Welsh.pdf) - [MHRA and NFCC emollients A4 information sheet for healthcare professionals](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/60ae6d028fa8f520c266092d/Emollients_A4_HCP_information_sheet.pdf)