The Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow has treated six children with severe burns linked to a social media trend of heating squishy toys in microwaves. Some required surgery, including skin grafts, after the toys burst and released hot gel.
Details of Injuries
Eight-year-old Joseph Erskine from Clackmannanshire, Scotland, needed a skin graft after his toy exploded across his chest and hand. His mother, Stephanie Ewing, said: “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. We were shocked as it had never crossed our minds that he would do that with a toy.”
Online Trend and Expert Warnings
The injuries stem from online videos showing the toys being heated to make them softer. However, experts warn that heating creates pressure inside the squishy, increasing the risk of explosion and release of hot gel. In another incident, 11-year-old Scarlet Rowe suffered burns to her face and eyelid in May. Her mother, Gina from North Ayrshire, 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. 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.”
Hospital Reports and Impact
The Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow has seen six cases over the past eight months, with some children needing surgical intervention including skin grafts. The trend poses a significant risk, as the toys can cause deep burns that may lead to permanent scarring. Medical professionals urge parents to be aware of the danger and to educate children not to microwave these toys.
