Serious Burns from Heating Squishy Toys in Microwaves
Several children in western Scotland have sustained serious burn injuries after attempting to heat popular squishy toys in microwaves, which caused the toys to explode.
Videos circulating online depict these soft, squeezable toys being heated in microwaves with the intention of making them even softer. However, the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow has reported treating six children with injuries related to this dangerous trend over the past eight months. Some of these children required surgical intervention, including skin grafts.
The injuries occur because pressure builds up inside the toy during heating, increasing the likelihood of an explosion that releases hot gel. This gel can adhere to the skin and cause severe burns.
Cases of Injuries and Treatment
One such case involved Scarlet Rowe, an 11-year-old from Irvine, North Ayrshire, who was treated for burns to her face and eyelid following an incident in May.
"We didn't realise what had happened at first, it just looked like slime on her face. It was only after a few minutes we realised it had been heated and was burning her skin.
"The swelling was so bad that we weren't sure what the outcome would be.
"Thankfully, no graft was required but it is so close to her eye that this could have been a lot worse."
Another serious case involved eight-year-old Joseph Erskine from Clackmannanshire, who required weeks of treatment and a skin graft after a toy burst across his chest and hand in May.
"He was saying that his squishy burnt him and we initially thought he meant a chemical burn. Then he told us that he had put it in the microwave.
"We were shocked as it had never crossed our minds that he would do that with a toy. He has never used the microwave before.
"One of us had heated something earlier and so the clock was already set at 40 seconds. Joseph just hit start."
Joseph's mother, Stephanie Ewing, explained that her son used a towel to wipe off the burning gel, which resulted in part of the skin being removed.
She urged other parents to discuss this hazard with their children and discourage them from engaging in similar activities.
Because Joseph's burn would not heal naturally, he required a skin graft, where skin was taken from his thigh and applied to his chest. He must also avoid direct sunlight on the graft area for the next two years.
Expert Warnings on the Severity of Injuries
Burn specialists have noted that injuries caused by heated squishy toys can be particularly severe because the gel inside can remain extremely hot and adhere to the skin, prolonging the burn.
Sharon Ramsay, a burns nurse at the RHC, stated:
"Unfortunately, we are seeing a growing number of children with preventable injuries linked to this trend.
"When these toys are heated, the contents can explode and stick to the skin, causing deep burns.
"These injuries can be very serious and may require long-term treatment, including surgery and rehabilitation.
"In some cases, children are left with permanent scarring. We strongly urge parents and carers to speak to their children about the risks."
Related Information
- Warning after 5,900 counterfeit squishy toys seized by council
- Concerns raised about popular dumpling squishy toys
