Wart removal products are flammable when applied to the condition the United States Food and Drug Administration reported in a consumer update on their website Thursday.
The administration has received over 12 reports of users unknowingly beginning fires or gilling their bodies, or household possessions the update said.
Fourteen users notified the agency of fires, while 10 had blisters, burns, skin rashes, or charred hair the update said.
"The labeling for these products clearly states that they are flammable and should be kept away from fire, flame, heat sources, and cigarettes," Karen Nast, a nurse consultant for the FDA said in a statement on the website. "This is extremely concerning, especially because people may not be aware that everyday household items like curling irons and straight irons can be hot enough to be an ignition source for these products," Nast said in the statement.
Three of the incidents were near a candle USA Today reported. No heat existed in the other occasions USA Today reported.
A warning on the product cautions the user that the remover is "extremely flammable" according to the update. "Do not pierce, burn or expose aerosol spray dispenser to excessive heat, even after use or when the dispenser is empty," the warning reads. "This may cause dispenser to explode, causing serious injury," the warning reads.
The product should also be used away from spaces without air circulation.
"Also be sure to use the product in a well-ventilated area," Markham Luke, a dermatologist with the FDA said in a statement in the update.
"It's important for us to know when and how problems like this happen," Luke said in the statement.
Warts can be removed in a medical office via surgical paring, laser or liquid nitrogen cryosurgical treatments the FDA reported in its update.
"The advantage is that the health care professional has been trained in providing the treatment safely and under controlled conditions," Luke said in the statement.
