Medical experts are warning about a dangerous social media trend that is leaving children with serious burns after microwaving 'squishy' toys. Several children have been treated at Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) over the past eight months after the toys exploded, causing severe injuries.
How the Trend Works
Videos circulating online advise children to place squishy toys in the microwave to make them softer and easier to squeeze. Many of these toys contain foam or gel inside, and the heat is intended to allow them to be pulled and stretched further. However, pressure builds inside the toy, causing it to burst and release hot gel that sticks to the skin, leading to deep burns.
Cases in Scotland
Six children have been treated at RHC for injuries linked to the trend, with some requiring skin grafts. One victim, 11-year-old Scarlet Rowe from Irvine, North Ayrshire, sustained burns to her face and eyelid after trying the trend in May. 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. 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 victim, eight-year-old Joseph Erskine from Clackmannanshire, had a squishy toy burst across his chest and hand in May. He required weeks of treatment and a skin graft. His mother, Stephanie Ewing, explained: "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."
Medical Warning
Sharon Ramsay, a burns nurse at 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. 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."
Doctors have told Joseph's family that the graft area must avoid direct sunlight for two years, which his mother said will be "tricky over the summer months". Gina Rowe also warned other parents to be vigilant and monitor what their children watch online, as she was unaware of the risks posed by the seemingly innocent toy.
