Skin creams containing paraffin, commonly used for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, have been linked to dozens of fire deaths across England, according to a BBC investigation. The products can leave users at risk of setting themselves ablaze if paraffin residue soaks into clothing or bedding, making the fabric highly flammable.
Despite warnings dating back more than a decade, BBC Radio 5 Live Investigates found that 37 deaths have occurred in England since 2010 in incidents connected to these creams. The majority of fatalities—28—were reported by the London Fire Brigade, with other cases recorded in six fire services that provided data.
One victim, Philip Hoe, died in 2006 at Doncaster Royal Infirmary after a spark from his cigarette ignited the emollient cream he was using for psoriasis. His wife Carol recalled: “Philip had caught fire. He had sneaked off onto a landing for a sneaky cigarette, a gust of wind must have caught the lighter, and it set fire to him.” He suffered 90% burns and died shortly after being transferred to another hospital.
In 2015, 63-year-old Christopher Holyoake died in Leicester when his bedding, covered in residue from the over-the-counter cream E45, acted as an accelerant after contact with a cigarette lighter. The coroner noted the lack of flammability warnings on the packaging. E45 has since agreed to include such warnings on some products from next month.
Darren Munro, borough commander for London’s Wandsworth Fire Station, has campaigned for greater awareness. He stated: “In four out of the last six fatalities that I've personally attended, the emollient cream has had a direct result in the flame spread and the speed at which the fire took hold.” He suspects the true scale of the problem is unknown, as some fires are extinguished without the fire brigade being called.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has updated its guidance, requiring all creams containing paraffin to carry a flammability warning. However, London Fire Brigade warns that even regular washing of clothes and bedding at high temperatures may not eliminate the invisible paraffin residue, which can accumulate over time.
