Paraffin

Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.

Hello, never posted on here before but hope I might be able to contribute something!

I was recently talking to someone whose been consulting a dermatologist for various problems. The dermatologist suggested trying 50% liquid/50% soft paraffin on his cracked heels. This is apparently called 50/50 ointment but doesn't seem to be easily come by in pharmacies. One pharmacist told me its not a 'fashionable' treatment. has anyone else got any experience of this as a treatment ??

A

 

A

>I was recently talking to someone whose been consulting a dermatologist for various problems. The dermatologist suggested trying 50% liquid/50% soft paraffin on his cracked heels. This is apparently called 50/50 ointment but doesn't seem to be easily come by in pharmacies. One pharmacist told me its not a 'fashionable' treatment. has anyone else got any experience of this as a treatment ??

It is a (bland) barrier ointment and rather greasy to touch.

http://www.occderm.asn.au/Fact sheets/eczema.html.
http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-22331895_ITM

It is used on hyperkeratoisi to form a film over the keratin layer in the hope this will trap microscopic water next to the keratin cells by reducing evaporation of surface fluid. By increasing water content in the keratin layer this allows the old cells to shed from the new (desquimation). Depending on the presenting case heel callus is more frequently treated with chemical creams containing urea. However sensitive skins may have a reaction ansd 50:50 Ointment was a bland alternative.

50/50 oinment can be made up by the pharmacy as a special order but depending on your pharmacist this may be more expensive than over the counter preparations. In the UK paraffin based skin products are considered a fire hazard

http://www.npsa.nhs.uk/patientsafety/alerts-and-directives/rapidrr/paraffin-skin-products/

In which case the policy of the employer may prevent these preparations form being kept on the premisis.

toeslayer

 

Hi all,

Please find enclosed the treatment which you seek.

Be warned though the smokin ban is not always good for your health!

DEATH HAVING A SNEAKY CIGGY
Skin cream goes up in flames
By Lucy Thornton 19/04/2006
Related Articles
More News
Have your say on What are you talking about? in our Forums
News picturesA HOSPITAL patient who had been covered in a paraffin-based cream to treat a skin complaint burned to death after sneaking off for a cigarette.

Philip Hoe, 60 - who was warned the cream was highly inflammable - dodged a smoking ban by creeping on to fire escape stairs and lighting up.

But as he stubbed the ciggie out with his foot he ignited fumes from the cream, which had soaked into his pyjamas. Medical staff heard his agonised screams and went running.

They found Mr Hoe engulfed in flames. They managed to smother them using fire extinguishers and blankets at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

Advertisement
Mr Hoe suffered first degree burns over 70 per cent of his body. He received emergency treatment at an intensive care unit but doctors could not save him. Police and health bosses have begun an inquiry into the Bank Holiday Monday accident.

Hospital chief executive Nigel Clifton said: "This is a most tragic event. Our hearts go out to his family." Fire brigade spokesman Bob Wood said: "It was a horrific accident. The victim was engulfed in flames.

"He had slipped away from a ward for a crafty fag and was in the enclosed stairwell of a fire escape when he lit up.

"The cream that had been used on him was paraffin-based and much of it had soaked into his night clothes so they could easily ignite if a cigarette was nearby. We would urge patients to consider smoking policies to ensure nothing like this happens again."

Creams and lotions containing alcohol, paraffin, kerosene and other similar materials are often used in the treatment of eczema and other serious skin complaints.

Mr Hoe's wife is said to be very distressed. A relative said: "The first we knew about this was when the hospital rang about the accident. It is all in the hands of the coroner now."

Doncaster Royal Infirmary bans smoking in its buildings or main doorways but not in hospital grounds. A total smoking ban begins on May 31.

lucy.thornton@mirror.co.uk


Oh well eh.

 

Hi,
Thanks for the links and information. I have to say my patient has found the 50/50 ointment far more useful than any of the urea based creams we've tried including a treatment provided by another dermatologist which appeared to have some sal acid within its ingredients. HOWEVER the fire hazard risk is a point to bear in mind.

Thanks for getting back to me will follow your links and risk assess anyone before I ever mention it to anyone else - particularly to anyone who might smoke!

A