Children Burned After Microwaving Squishy Toys

Doctors in Scotland are urging parents to warn children about a viral social media challenge involving gel-filled “squishy” toys after a series of serious burn injuries. Specialists at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow say several youngsters have been treated after microwaving the toys, which can burst without warning and spray extremely hot gel onto the skin.

Medical staff say the injuries are far more severe than many families expect because the heated gel sticks to the body and continues transferring heat after contact. Over the past eight months, the Glasgow hospital has treated six children linked to the trend, with some requiring surgery and skin grafts.

Why heating squishy toys can become dangerous

Squishy toys are designed to be squeezed, not heated. Many are filled with gel or liquid enclosed inside a flexible outer layer. Burns specialists explain that placing these toys in a microwave can rapidly increase pressure inside the sealed casing. If the casing fails, the superheated contents can erupt unexpectedly.

Unlike ordinary hot water, the gel clings to skin and clothing, making it difficult to remove quickly. That extra contact time can lead to deeper burns, increasing the chance of permanent scarring and lengthy recovery.

Eight-year-old Joseph required surgery

Among the children treated was eight-year-old Joseph Erskine from Clackmannanshire. His family said he copied the online trend after seeing videos on social media. A microwave had previously been set to 40 seconds, and Joseph pressed the start button without realising the danger.

The toy exploded across his chest and hand. His mother, Stephanie Ewing, initially believed he had suffered a chemical burn before discovering the hot gel had caused the injury. As the gel was wiped away, damaged skin came away with it because it had bonded to the burn.

Doctors later carried out a skin graft using skin from his thigh after the wound failed to heal naturally. His recovery has included restrictions on outdoor activities and sport while the graft continues to heal.

Another child escaped lasting eye damage

Eleven-year-old Scarlet Rowe from Irvine, North Ayrshire, was treated after another heated squishy toy burst shortly after purchase. The hot gel struck her face and eyelid, causing swelling that alarmed her family.

Her mother, Gina Rowe, said the family initially believed the substance was harmless slime before realising it had been heated inside the toy. Scarlet avoided needing a skin graft, but doctors monitored her closely because of the location of the burns.

Hospital teams warn recoveries can last months

Burns nurse Sharon Ramsay from the Royal Hospital for Children said these injuries are largely preventable but can have long-term consequences. Depending on the severity of the burn, treatment may involve surgery, scar management, physiotherapy and repeated follow-up appointments.

Burns affecting the face, chest and hands often need specialist care because they can interfere with movement, appearance and everyday activities during recovery.

Online trends can spread risky behaviour quickly

Short videos on social media often encourage children to copy unusual experiments without explaining the possible dangers. Health professionals say many young people may assume a challenge is safe simply because it appears online.

Parents and carers are encouraged to discuss internet trends openly with children and remind them that household appliances should never be used in ways that conflict with a manufacturer’s safety instructions.

Recent toy safety alerts have highlighted other potential hazards affecting families. Authorities have previously issued warnings about children’s toys recalled because of choking risks, reinforcing the importance of checking product guidance and recall notices.

How to respond if someone suffers a burn

First-aid experts recommend placing the affected area under cool running water for at least 20 minutes as soon as possible. Ice, butter, toothpaste and other home remedies should not be used because they may make the injury worse.

If melted gel or material has adhered to the skin, it should not be pulled away. Medical professionals should assess the injury, particularly if burns involve the face, eyes, hands, feet, chest or large areas of the body.

The NHS advises seeking urgent medical care for deep burns, electrical burns, chemical burns and injuries affecting children where there is any doubt about severity. Official first-aid guidance is available through the NHS burns and scalds information page.

Doctors say the recent cases serve as a reminder that products designed for play should only be used as intended. Heating gel-filled toys can transform an everyday item into a serious burn hazard within seconds, making simple conversations about online challenges an important part of keeping children safe.