Chemical Burns from Popular Squishy Toy Send Israeli Girl to Hospital

A 7-and-a-half-year-old girl in Jerusalem was urgently hospitalized after suffering severe chemical burns from a popular squishy toy that exploded during a summer camp activity. The incident occurred recently, shortly after the girl finished first grade. The toy released a chemical liquid upon bursting, which caused second-degree burns on her hands and legs, requiring emergency treatment under sedation at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center's pediatric emergency department.

The girl's mother recounted that initially, only red marks appeared on her daughter's skin, accompanied by glitter-like particles. The family initially thought it was a mild irritation, but by the third day, large blisters formed, revealing the severity of the chemical burns. The mother recalled a previous report about similar toys being removed from shelves in the UK due to toxic substances, prompting them to seek hospital care. Importantly, the toy was not heated in a microwave, and fortunately, the chemical did not contact the girl's face or eyes.

Dr. Lea Sarna Kahan, a senior pediatric emergency physician at Hadassah, described the child's condition upon arrival as having large painful blisters from chemical burns. The burns team was called to provide specialized care, and the girl underwent a delicate surgical procedure under sedation in the plastic surgery department to clean and dress the wounds. Dr. Stav Sarna Kahan, head of the burn unit, expressed concern over the widespread use of such toys, noting this is the first case of chemical burns from skin contact with the toy's contents they have encountered. The medical team hopes the burns will not leave permanent scars and will continue monitoring her recovery.

In response to the incident, doctors issued urgent safety guidelines for parents and educators, emphasizing immediate removal and thorough rinsing with running water if the toy's chemical contacts the skin. They advise seeking emergency care if redness, severe pain, blisters, large affected areas, or eye exposure occur. The girl's mother urged caution, especially regarding unsupervised toys imported from abroad, stressing the importance of awareness about the potential dangers of these popular children's products.