A warning has been issued over the use of hot water bottles after a TV medic suffered serious leg burns in what he called "a ridiculous accident." Consultant psychiatrist Dr David McLaughlan, who has appeared as an expert on This Morning, was rushed to hospital after "slow cooking his leg" when he fell asleep.
In a post on Instagram, he said: "It sounds ridiculous, but I basically slow-cooked my leg overnight after falling asleep with a hot water bottle against my leg. Ended up with a full-thickness burn, down to the muscle."
His injuries will need treating with a skin graft, but as they were so severe doctors were not able to do it at the time. Instead, he will return in a month for the surgery. He also blamed himself for not being careful using the hot water bottle, sharing an important message for his fans.
"The moral of the story"
He told them "the moral of the story" was: "Watch out for prolonged exposure burns from hot water bottles! Especially with young children or elderly grannies like me who obviously have paper thin skin."
While hot water bottles are a great way to stay warm while saving money, there are some important rules that must be followed by anyone using one. The Hot Water Bottle Company, which sells everything from traditional bottles and heat wraps to microwaveable fun snugglies, has guidance on its website to help people stay safe.
It advised: "Hot water bottles can be dangerous and cause burns if they are not cared for or used in the proper way." It shared guidance on how to fill, use and care for a hot water bottle correctly.
How to fill your hot water bottle safely
The Hot Water Bottle Company advises that people should not use boiling water when filling a bottle, as this can cause splash-back, which may cause burns. It recommends that boiled water is left to cool for at least 20 minutes before filling your hot water bottle.
Other guidance warns:
- For young children and those with sensitive skin it is recommended that you do not fill the hot water bottle with water that is above 40°C / 104°F. It adds always use a cover with the hot water bottle.
- When filling your bottle hold the bottle by the neck in an upright position and fill slowly to avoid water splashing back.
- Only ever fill your bottle to a maximum of two-thirds capacity.
- Always expel air from the bottle by lowering it carefully onto a flat surface until the water appears at the opening.
- Screw the stopper sufficiently tight to ensure there is no leakage. Finger tight should be adequate.
- Hot water bottles should always be filled by a responsible adult.
How to safely use a hot water bottle
The firm advises people to be careful on how they use their hot water bottle. It said:
- Do not sit, lie on top of or put excess pressure on your hot water bottle.
- To prevent burns occurring use a cover on your bottle and avoid leaving it in contact with one area of the body for more than 20 minutes.
- Only use a hot water bottle to warm up your bed. Take it out before you get in. This helps to avoid accidental burns.
- The use of hot water bottles by babies is not advised and children should be supervised.
- Elderly people, and those with sensitive skin or reduced feeling should use hot water bottles with care.
- It is strongly recommended that children are supervised when using hot water bottles.
- Hot water bottles can be dangerous and cause burns if they are not filled, cared for or used in the proper way.
It added people should follow any instructions that are given with the hot water bottle.
Caring for your hot water bottle
There was also advice on how to look after a hot water bottle. It warned:
- Do not fill your bottle from a tap or other domestic water system as this can prematurely degrade the product.
- When using or storing your bottle prevent the bottle from contact with hot surfaces and contact with oil and grease.
- When you are not using your bottle, drain it completely and keep with the stopper removed in a cool, dry, dark place - not the airing cupboard as the fluctuation in heat from any boiler or water tank will adversely affect the bottle, on or near a radiator, under the sink where chemicals can degrade the quality of the bottle, or where it will be exposed to sunlight.
- Do not place anything on top of your bottle when storing it.
- Check your bottle thoroughly, including the stopper when using for the first time. Thereafter, check it regularly for wear, damage and leaks. Do not use if you are concerned.
