7-Year-Old Hospitalized with Chemical Burns from Squishy Toy in Israeli Day Camp

A seven-and-a-half-year-old girl was hospitalized with second-degree chemical burns after a squishy toy she received at a day camp tore open, leaking a liquid that came into contact with her skin. Initially, only redness appeared, but over the following days, her condition worsened, developing large blisters on her hand and leg. She was admitted to the pediatric emergency department at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center, where doctors diagnosed second-degree burns on her hand and leg and first-degree burns on other areas. She underwent debridement, disinfection, and dressing under sedation and was discharged with ongoing follow-up at the burn clinic.

Dr. Lea Serena Kahan, a senior pediatric emergency physician at Hadassah, warned that immediate washing with running water for 15 to 20 minutes is critical if the toy's liquid contacts the skin, and urgent medical care is needed if pain, blisters, or extensive skin damage occurs. The girl's mother emphasized that unlike other reported cases, this squishy toy was not microwaved or altered and was purchased in Israel from a store supplying schools and kindergartens. The child had previously played with similar toys without incident.

This case adds to recent reports in Israel and worldwide of injuries linked to squishy toys, including burns from microwaving and foreign objects causing harm. Hadassah doctors noted this is a rare but serious incident raising concerns about the safety of such products, especially those not tightly regulated or imported. Dr. Stav Serena Kahan, head of Hadassah's burn unit, stressed that children's toys should not cause injuries requiring emergency hospital treatment. The mother called on parents to be vigilant even when initial symptoms seem mild and urged authorities to continue safety inspections of these products.