Lice lotion probe after couple's hair sets on fire
A DONCASTER couple who suffered serious burns to their heads claim their hair caught light after they had applied head lice lotion.
Christine Bridgwood has been told by doctors she may need skin grafts on her back, ear and shoulders.
Husband Kenneth was also burned as he tried to help her.
The makers of the Hedrin lotion they used have stated the lotion is not flammable.
Mr Bridgwood said: "I heard Christine scream. I ran in and saw flames. It was horrendous. I thought she was going to die.
"I ran straight over to try to put the flames out, but I caught fire. The pain was horrific - it is the worst pain I have ever experienced."
The couple, both aged 55, of Lock Lane, Thorne, fear they could be scarred for life as a result of the incident.
Mr Bridgwood, who was burned on his head, ears, face and hands, was discharged from hospital on Tuesday. Mrs Bridgwood is out of an induced coma but remains in the burns unit at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield.
The pair frequently look after their grandchildren and used Hedrin on their scalps when they started itching.
Mr Bridgwood who works at Wabtec Rail, in Hexthorpe, says his wife's hair suddenly ignited as she bent down to switch on a fire in their home.
He tried to put the flames out with a dressing gown, which also caught light. They then doused the flames using water from the kitchen.
A spokesman for Hedrin manufacturers Thornton and Ross said the product was fully approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.
He added the lotion was not flammable and the pack carried a warning about hair catching fire if a naked flame was directly applied.
He said: "We will investigate this incident thoroughly as soon as we receive further information. In the meantime, our best wishes go to the couple."
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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