Dangerous 'squishy' toy trend leaves children needing surgery and skin grafts

A concerning trend involving children heating squishy toys in microwaves has led to multiple cases of serious burns across Scotland. The incidents have raised alarms among medical professionals and parents alike, highlighting the potential dangers of a seemingly harmless activity that has turned perilous. According to reports from the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow, six children have been treated for injuries related to this practice over the past eight months. Some of these cases have resulted in surgeries, including skin grafts, underscoring the severity of the issue.

The trend involves heating these soft, squeezable toys in microwaves in an effort to make them even more pliable. Videos shared on social media platforms depict children engaging in this activity, often without realizing the inherent risks. However, the consequences can be dire. As the toys are heated, internal pressure builds up, increasing the likelihood of the toy bursting and releasing hot gel that sticks to the skin, leading to severe burns. This phenomenon has been observed in several instances, with notable cases drawing attention from both the public and healthcare providers.

One of the most alarming cases involved Scarlet Rowe, an 11-year-old girl from Irvine in North Ayrshire. She suffered burns to her face and eyelid after an incident in May. Her mother, Gina, recounted how they initially mistook the injury for something less severe, thinking it resembled slime on her daughter’s face. Only after a few minutes did they realize the extent of the damage, which was caused by the hot gel from the toy. Although Scarlet did not require a skin graft, the proximity of the burn to her eye made the situation potentially much worse.

Another case involved Joseph Erskine, an eight-year-old boy from Clackmannanshire, who experienced significant burns after a toy exploded across his chest and hand in May. His mother, Stephanie Ewing, described the moment when Joseph approached her with a towel to his face, having already removed part of his skin while wiping away the burning gel. Initially, they believed it was a chemical burn, but upon learning that Joseph had placed the toy in the microwave, they were shocked. The family had not considered the possibility of such an action with a toy, especially since Joseph had never used the microwave before. The incident occurred quickly, as one parent had previously heated something else, setting the microwave timer to 40 seconds. Joseph simply pressed start, unaware of the danger.

Joseph required extensive treatment, including a skin graft, where skin was taken from his thigh and applied to his chest. His recovery has been complicated, as he must now avoid direct sunlight on the grafted area for the next two years—a challenge during the summer months. The impact on his life has been profound, as he is an active child participating in sports and other activities, which are now on hold until he fully recovers.

Burns specialists have emphasized the seriousness of these injuries, noting that the gel inside the toys can retain extreme heat and adhere to the skin, exacerbating the burn. Sharon Ramsay, a burns nurse at the RHC, expressed concern over the rising number of preventable injuries linked to this trend. She highlighted the importance of educating parents and caregivers about the risks associated with heating these toys. The injuries can lead to long-term treatment, including surgery and rehabilitation, and in some cases, result in permanent scarring.

The trend has sparked discussions among medical professionals and parents regarding the need for increased awareness and education about the dangers of such practices. Parents are encouraged to engage with their children about the risks and discourage them from participating in this potentially harmful behavior. As the popularity of these toys continues to grow, it is crucial for families to remain vigilant and informed about the potential hazards associated with their use.