WINSTON-SALEM -- Companies have recalled citronella pourable gels and oils for candles, firepots and tiki torches in the past, but doctors say there are still issues.
The Trauma and Burn Center at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center has recently seen an increase of patients treated for severe burns because of citronella products.
The labels may be called "gel fuel."
According to Donna Joyner of the medical center's Trauma Burn and Community Outreach, anytime someone pours the gel back into the container and it's hot, or there's a flame, it will explode.
"When it explodes, the gel can stick to the skin, so it's hard to extinguish," Joyner said. "With this, it doesn't go out."
Joyner added that some people have compared it to napalm.
If someone gets burned with the gel, the best way to get it out is with a chemical fire extinguisher or baking soda.
Users should call the company on the container if they question their product. If it is a recalled product, users can send it back and get a refund.