Resources/Images
All GP practices and pharmacies will have received copies of the patient and carers leaflets, poster and branded pharmacy bags. You can also download further copies of these and images that can be used on websites or social media HERE.
Website copy – to upload to practice/public websites
Using emollients safely
A new awareness campaign that aims to support and advise the public on the importance of using emollients safely to help prevent fire risk has launched across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Emollients are moisturising treatments used by all ages to manage dry, itchy or scaly skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it, emollients cover the skin with a protective film to trap in moisture.
There is a fire risk associated with all emollients whether they contain paraffin or not. However, emollients are an important and effective treatment for dry skin conditions when used safely.
How can you use your emollients safely?
•Keep away from fire, flames and cigarettes when using any type of emollient. Dressings, clothing and bedding that have been in contact with an emollient can easily catch fire.
•Change clothing and bedding regularly – preferably daily. Emollients soak into fabric and the build-up of residues can increase the fire risk. Washing fabrics at high temperatures may reduce the build-up but does not remove it entirely.
•Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you normally smoke. They will be able to offer you help and advice to stop smoking.
•Tell you relatives or carers about your treatment and the fire risk. Those who care for you can help to keep you safe.
Further information on using emollients safely can found online at https://www.cambridgeshireandpeterboroughccg.nhs.uk/news-and-events/campaigns/fire-risk-with-emollients/
Web or news copy - for staff/health professionals
New emollient safety campaign launches to help prevent fire risk
A new awareness campaign that aims to support and advise the public on the importance of using emollients safely to help prevent fire risk has launched across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Targeting both patients and health care professionals, the ‘Using Emollients Safely’ campaign offers a range of resources including leaflets, posters and branded pharmacy bags to help raise awareness of the fire risk associated with all emollients whether they contain paraffin or not.
As part of the campaign resources have been distributed to local GPs, pharmacies, care homes, hospitals and hospices to share with their patients. This will be supported by ongoing media and social media activity over the coming months.
The campaign was developed by local health and educational partners including Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council Public Health, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and NHS health providers.
Further information on the campaign and the resources available is available online at https://www.cambridgeshireandpeterboroughccg.nhs.uk/news-and-events/campaigns/fire-risk-with-emollients/
Social media
Practices are encouraged to help raise awareness of campaigns through their social media channels – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A series of images that can be used on social media are available to download HERE
Twitter posts:
Regular user of emollients for dry skin conditions? Be sure to read the latest safety guidelines on preventing fire risk. Find out more at https://bit.ly/2p0UvqV
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough lead the way with new awareness campaign around how to use your emollients safely. Find out more at https://bit.ly/2p0UvqV
Facebook posts
Emollients are an important and effective treatment for dry skin conditions when used safely. However, there is a fire risk associated with all emollients whether they contain paraffin or not. Find out more about the importance of using emollients safely at https://bit.ly/2p0UvqV
A new awareness campaign that aims to support and advise on the importance of using emollients safely to help prevent fire risk has launched across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Find out more at https://bit.ly/2p0UvqV
Regular user of emollients for dry skin conditions? Be sure to read the latest safety guidelines on preventing fire risk. Find out more at https://bit.ly/2p0UvqV
