Medical professionals have issued warnings about the risks associated with heating so-called "squishy" toys in microwaves after multiple children suffered serious burn injuries. These soft, malleable toys, popular with young children, have been featured in videos online showing them being warmed to increase their softness. However, experts emphasize that this practice can cause pressure to build inside the toys, leading to explosions that release hot gel, which can cause significant burns.

The Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow has reported treating six children over the past eight months for burn injuries related to this dangerous trend. Several cases have been severe enough to require surgical intervention. Among the injured was eight-year-old Joseph Erskine from Clackmannanshire, who endured weeks of treatment, including a skin graft, after a squishy toy exploded and caused burns to his chest and hand.

Joseph’s mother, Stephanie Ewing, recounted her surprise upon learning how her son had been injured. She initially believed the burns might have been chemical-related until Joseph revealed that he had placed the toy in the microwave. Ewing noted that Joseph had never used a microwave before, underscoring how unexpected such an injury can be.

Sharon Ramsay, a burns nurse at the RHC, described the mechanism of injury, explaining that heating these toys causes their gel-filled contents to rupture violently, adhering to the skin and causing deep tissue damage. Ramsay highlighted the severity of the injuries, pointing out that some patients require extensive medical care, including surgery and ongoing rehabilitation, and in certain instances, children are left with permanent scarring.

Healthcare practitioners are urging parents and caregivers to be vigilant about this emerging hazard, advising against the microwaving of squishy toys to prevent such avoidable injuries.