Seven-Year-Old Hospitalized with Chemical Burns from Squishy Toy at Summer Camp

A seven-and-a-half-year-old girl was hospitalized at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital after suffering chemical burns from a leaking liquid inside a squishy toy she received at summer camp. The girl, who had just completed first grade, was playing with the toy when it opened and the substance inside came into contact with her skin. Initially, redness appeared on her hands and feet, but the condition worsened over time, developing into large blisters. Medical staff diagnosed her with first- and second-degree chemical burns. The burn unit team performed debridement under sedation, including cleaning and dressing the affected areas.

Squishy toys are soft, flexible items often made from polyurethane foam or jelly-like silicone, designed in various shapes such as animals or food items. They are primarily used as stress-relief toys and come in types that either squeeze dry or contain liquids, glitter, or particles for visual effects. The girl's mother stated that her daughter had played with dozens of similar toys before without issues and that this particular toy was not heated. She added that the toy was purchased from an Israeli store supplying products to kindergartens and schools.

Dr. Leah Serena Kahan, a senior pediatric emergency physician at Hadassah, emphasized the importance of immediately removing and rinsing any chemical substance from the skin with running water for several minutes. She advised urgent hospital visits if persistent redness, severe pain, blisters, or eye injuries occur. Dr. Stav Serena Kahan, head of the burn unit, said the medical team will continue monitoring the girl's condition in the burn clinic, hoping to avoid permanent scarring. He noted that such incidents are rare and that children's toys should not lead to emergency hospital treatment.