7-Year-Old Suffers Second-Degree Chemical Burns From Popular Squishy Toy in Israel

A seven-and-a-half-year-old girl who had just completed first grade suffered severe chemical burns while playing with a squishy toy distributed at her summer camp. The incident occurred in Israel, and she was treated at the pediatric emergency department of Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. Dr. Lea Sarna Cahan, a senior pediatric emergency physician, reported that upon arrival, the girl was diagnosed with second-degree chemical burns on her hands and legs, featuring large blisters and significant pain. The hospital's burn unit team was called in for further treatment, including debridement under sedation, wound cleaning, ointment application, and dressing.

The girl's mother explained that the toy had burst during play, releasing a liquid that came into contact with her daughter's skin. Initially, only redness appeared, but the condition worsened over the next two days, developing into large blisters indicative of chemical burns. The mother noted that unlike other reported cases, the 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. Sarna Cahan emphasized the importance of immediate removal and rinsing with running water if such substances contact the skin, and urgent hospital care if symptoms escalate. Dr. Stav Sarna Cahan, head of Hadassah's burn unit and a plastic surgery expert, acknowledged the popularity of similar gel-like toys but noted this was the first case of chemical burns from such contact. He expressed hope that the second-degree burns would not leave scars and confirmed ongoing follow-up care.

The mother urged parents and import authorities to be vigilant about the safety of these toys, especially those imported without supervision, and highlighted the need for serious attention to potential hazards. She praised the hospital staff for their dedicated care and reported that her daughter's condition has improved with no ongoing pain.