Seven-Year-Old Girl Suffers Severe Chemical Burns From Popular Squishy Toy in Israel

A seven-and-a-half-year-old girl in Israel suffered second-degree chemical burns after playing with a squishy toy distributed at her summer camp. The toy ruptured, releasing a liquid that came into contact with her skin, initially causing redness and white marks. Over the following days, the condition worsened, developing large blisters on her hands and legs, prompting emergency treatment at Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital.

Dr. Leah Sarna Kahan, a senior pediatric emergency physician at Hadassah, confirmed the diagnosis of chemical burns with significant pain and blistering. The girl received pain relief and was transferred to the hospital's burn unit, where plastic surgery specialists performed debridement and treated the wounds under sedation. Dr. Sarna Kahan emphasized the importance of immediate washing with running water if the toy's substance contacts the skin and seeking urgent medical care if symptoms escalate.

The girl's mother noted that unlike other reported cases, the squishy toy was not heated in a microwave, and fortunately, the chemical did not reach sensitive areas like the face or eyes. The toy was purchased from a local Israeli store supplying kindergartens and schools. Dr. Stav Sarna Kahan, head of Hadassah's burn unit, remarked that such chemical burns from squishy toys are unprecedented in their experience and stressed that children's toys should not cause hospital emergencies.

Following treatment, the girl's condition improved, and she no longer experiences pain. The family urges parents and educators to be vigilant about the risks posed by unsupervised or imported toys and hopes authorities will thoroughly investigate all harmful products to prevent further injuries.