Six fire brigades in England have reported 37 deaths linked to the products since 2010
Skin creams containing paraffin are causing people to set themselves on fire, sometimes with lethal consequences, it has been reported.
Paraffin creams are used for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis but can also soak clothes or bedding, which can make the fabric flammable.
Warnings have been made for the past 10 years but an investigation by BBC Radio 5 live found there have been 37 deaths linked to the creams in England since 2010.
The medicine and healthcare products regulatory agency updated its guidance on the use of creams containing paraffin and said that all products should carry a warning.
Following the death of 63-year-old Christopher Holyoake in Leicester in 2015, an inquest heard that his bedding had been covered with residue from E45 cream, which contains paraffin.
Mr Holyoake, who was bed-bound, caught fire when smoking a cigarette. The E45 residue is believed to have acted as an accelerant, increasing the intensity and speed of the fire and leaving the patient very little chance of surviving.
The coroner concluded that “there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken”.
The fact E45 had no fire warning on its packaging was a cause of concern to the coroner, who said a “highly inflammable” label should be added.
E45 has since agreed to include a flammability warning on some of its products, which will be available in shops from next month, the BBC reports.
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