The Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow has treated six children over the past eight months for severe burns caused by microwaving squishy toys, with some requiring surgery including skin grafts. Medical professionals are warning about the dangers of this viral trend, which involves heating soft, pliable toys in the microwave to make them more malleable.
How the injuries occur
Videos circulating on social media show the toys being heated, but experts warn that this causes pressure to build up inside the toy, increasing the risk of explosion. When the toy bursts, scalding hot gel can stick to the skin and cause deep burns. The gel retains extreme temperatures and clings to the skin, intensifying the severity of the injury.
Sharon Ramsay, a burns nurse at the RHC, said: "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."
Case study: Joseph Erskine
Among the injured was 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. His mother, Stephanie Ewing, said: "My husband and I were home. We were sitting in the living room next door when Joseph came in holding a towel to his face. He had already wiped off the burning gel which had also taken off his skin. 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."
Ewing explained that Joseph had discovered the trend online. "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. It was that quick and easy for him."
Joseph's burn required a skin graft from his thigh to his chest. He must now avoid direct sunlight on the grafted area for two years, which his mother noted will be "tricky over the summer months." Ewing urged parents to discuss the risks with their children.
Case study: Scarlet Rowe
Another victim, 11-year-old Scarlet Rowe from Irvine in North Ayrshire, was treated for burns to her face and eyelid after a similar incident in May, shortly after receiving a squishy toy. Her mother, Gina, said: "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."
Scarlet did not require a skin graft, but the swelling was severe. Gina added: "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. These toys are very popular and easy to buy, but we had no idea about the risks. We had only bought them that day. I'd strongly advise parents to be vigilant and check what children are watching and trying online."
Medical advice and long-term impact
Burns specialists warn that injuries from heated squishy toys can be especially severe due to the gel's properties. Ramsay said: "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."
Recovery from burns can take weeks or months, with affected children often needing ongoing care such as dressings, physiotherapy, and scar management. The Scottish National Burns Centre, part of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, is treating these cases.
