The Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow has treated six children with severe burns linked to a dangerous online trend of heating 'squishy' toys in the microwave. The toys, popular for their soft texture, can explode when heated, releasing hot gel that sticks to the skin and causes deep burns.
Eight-year-old Joseph Erskine needed skin graft
Joseph Erskine, eight, from Clackmannanshire, suffered burns to his chest and hand in May when a squishy toy burst after being microwaved. He required weeks of treatment and a skin graft taken from his thigh. 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.'
She added: '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 must avoid direct sunlight on the graft area for two years, which his mother said will be 'tricky over the summer months'.
11-year-old Scarlet Rowe suffered burns to face and eyelid
Scarlet Rowe, 11, from North Ayrshire, was treated for burns to her face and eyelid after a similar incident 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.'
She added: '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.'
Burns specialists warn of permanent scarring
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. 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.'
Healing from burns can take weeks or months, and children often need ongoing care including dressings, physiotherapy, and scar management.
Urgent recall of Squishy Dumplings due to benzene
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