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Creams for eczema flammable!

(16 Posts)
Sallywally1 Sat 24-Apr-21 11:41:08

I have very sensitive skin and am always on the lookout for effective creams. I have been using E45 recently and had a look at the label.

I noticed it said it was flammable (it has liquid paraffin) and apparently it is flammable! I never knew this before and I am 65! Also said if it gets on bedding and clothes it could be dangerous.

I think it should be banned. Many times I cannot sleep because of the itchy rashes and rub the areas with the cream. It then gets on the bed clothes. Scary

Blossoming Sat 24-Apr-21 12:04:00

It doesn’t say it is flammable on the E45 itch relief cream that I’m using, but it does list paraffin among the ingredients. I have googled it and the advice is that the cream itself is not flammable, but there may be a buildup on clothes or bedding. The cases that have occurred seem to have been smokers. This article in the MEN gives a good explanation.

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/warning-over-flammable-eczema-creams-18708502

Shandy57 Sat 24-Apr-21 12:07:48

I had to leave the Airbnb owner money when my E45 cream stained the bed sheet sad She wrote to say it wasn't necessary, but I felt really embarrassed about it. I had taken a cotton sleeping bag, but it was so very hot, I'd thrown it off in the night.

I think many creams are inflammable, just have to be used with care.

Blossoming Sat 24-Apr-21 12:11:14

And here is the full advice from MHRA on using emollient skin creams. It isn’t just E45.

www.gov.uk/guidance/safe-use-of-emollient-skin-creams-to-treat-dry-skin-conditions

Iam64 Sat 24-Apr-21 12:57:52

As someone who needed daily dressings for psoriasis I’d take my chances with the emollients. The risk of setting myself alight is so low - the risk of not sleeping, being in constant pain fro raw, bleeding skin is much greater.

Blossoming Sat 24-Apr-21 14:53:20

Quite so, Iam64. I’m sure they wouldn’t still be available if the risk was very high.

Shandy57 Sat 24-Apr-21 14:55:53

I wouldn't be able to sleep either without the creams, even when I take two cetrizine hydrochloride.

Iam64 Sat 24-Apr-21 15:29:55

Sallywally, there’s a huge difference between sensitive skin and the kind of skin conditions prescribed for people with serious skin problems. I can’t imagine why you could think of banning life saving creams. ,

MayBee70 Sat 24-Apr-21 15:35:50

I can’t get into bed with cream on unless it’s covered. Hate getting cream of any kind on bedding. I usually wear cotton pyjamas and I have cotton gloves that I put on if I have cream on my hands. When it’s soaked in I might remove the clothing. I must have a different cream for just about every part of my body!

Chestnut Sat 24-Apr-21 15:52:47

There are lots of creams with liquid paraffin, but I think the only real danger is dozy smokers who allow their lighted cigarette to touch their clothing or bedding (if it has the cream). Normally you would not touch a naked flame with your clothing as this would set you on fire anyway.

AGAA4 Sat 24-Apr-21 15:59:38

I have been using emollients for many years. I didn't realise they are flammable. I have eczema so have to use them but no problems so far. I am not a smoker.

Sallywally1 Sat 24-Apr-21 20:32:01

No I wouldn’t ban them, just the paraffin element. I too find them helpful, but was really surprised to see the warning note on my tube of the E45 itch cream. Perhaps it is just to cover themselves in case something does happen.

grannyrebel7 Sat 24-Apr-21 20:53:12

I have very itchy eyelids and have used steroid creams but have stopped re damage they've done to my skin. Anyone recommend an alternative?

annodomini Sat 24-Apr-21 21:52:33

I think there's a bit of confusion about liquid paraffin which is not the kind of paraffin used as a fuel and also known as kerosene. My granny used liquid paraffin as a laxative! Like many of her generation she was obsessive about her bowels. Thanks to Wiki here's clarification:
Liquid paraffin, also known as paraffinum liquidum or Russian mineral oil, is a very highly refined mineral oil used in cosmetics and medicine. Cosmetic or medicinal liquid paraffin should not be confused with the paraffin used as a fuel

grannyrebel7 Sat 24-Apr-21 22:32:59

Sorry my answer was off the subject Sallywally1 I will repost in the health forum. To answer your question I didn't know E45 was flammable. I can't use it as it makes me worse.

ElaineI Sat 24-Apr-21 22:34:48

Annodomini liquid paraffin in creams and for bowels is flammable. We had to warn patients when using it. It is mainly smokers who have had problems with accidentally setting dressings on fire. but gas fires and open coal fires are a risk too.