Squishy Toys Explode: Children Suffer Severe Burns

Doctors are sounding the alarm over a concerning online trend involving microwaving squishy toys, which has resulted in severe burns for multiple children. Videos show these toys being heated to increase their flexibility, but this process can cause them to explode, ejecting extremely hot gel. The Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow has treated six young patients for injuries over the past eight months, with some needing surgical intervention like skin grafts. One eight-year-old required weeks of treatment and a skin graft after a toy burst on his chest and hand.

Similar incidents have affected other children, with one 11-year-old treated for burns to her face and eyelid. Burns specialists note that the gel inside these toys can remain intensely hot and adhere to skin, prolonging burn damage. Recovery from these injuries can be lengthy, involving ongoing care such as dressings and physiotherapy, and may result in permanent scarring. Health professionals strongly advise parents to talk to their children about these risks and to supervise their online activities.