Aviral TikTok trendinvolving 'squishy' toys has left several children with severe burns, prompting doctors to warn parents about a dangerous microwave hack spreading online.
At least six children have required hospital treatment in recent months. Some have undergone skin graft surgery after the toys exploded and released superheated gel onto their skin.
Burn specialists say videos circulating on social media encourage children to heat gel-filled sensory toys in a microwave to make them softer or stretchier.
The outside of the toy may feel safe to touch. However, the gel inside can become extremely hot. When squeezed or punctured, pressure builds up and the toy can suddenly burst, spraying sticky, scalding gel.
Doctors at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow have treated six children with burns linked to the trend over the past eight months.
Among them was eight-year-old Joseph Erskine from Clackmannanshire. After microwaving a squishy toy, it burst across his chest and hand. He required weeks of treatment, including a skin graft.
His mother, Aimee, urged other parents to warn their children about the risks, saying the accident happened within seconds and changed her son's life.
Eleven-year-old Scarlet Rowe from North Ayrshire also suffered burns to her face and eyelid when a heated toy exploded.
Doctors say the injuries are especially severe because of the gel inside the toys. Unlike boiling water, the thick polymer gel sticks to the skin and continues transferring heat after contact. Even if the toy feels cool on the outside, the centre can remain dangerously hot.
When pressure is applied, the superheated gel can shoot out like molten glue. Recovery may take weeks or months and can involve repeated dressing changes, physiotherapy and scar management.
Source: International Business Times UK
