Seven-Year-Old Suffers Severe Chemical Burns From Popular Squishy Toy at Summer Camp

A seven-and-a-half-year-old girl was hospitalized at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Jerusalem after a popular squishy toy she received at summer camp exploded, releasing a chemical substance that caused severe second-degree chemical burns on her hands and legs. The toy, widely popular among children in Israel this summer, unexpectedly burst during play, spilling the liquid inside onto the girl's skin and leading to large blisters and intense pain.

Her parents initially noticed only redness and sparkles on her skin but sought emergency care after the condition worsened over three days, with the appearance of large blisters. At the hospital, she underwent a complex medical procedure involving debridement and disinfection under sedation in the burns unit, followed by treatment with special ointments and dressings. The medical team administered pain relief and closely monitored her recovery.

The girl's mother emphasized that the toy was purchased from an official Israeli store supplying kindergartens and schools, raising concerns about product safety and import regulations. She noted that unlike other reported incidents, the toy was not microwaved and the chemical did not contact sensitive areas such as the face or eyes.

Dr. Lea Serena Kahan, a senior pediatric emergency physician at Hadassah, stressed the importance of immediate washing with running water if such substances contact the skin and urged parents and educators to seek urgent medical care if symptoms like persistent redness, severe pain, or blisters develop. Dr. Stav Serena Kahan, head of the burns unit, remarked that although the squishy toy is familiar and even present in his own home, this was the first severe chemical burn case from such a product he had encountered. He expressed hope that the burns would not leave long-term scars and confirmed ongoing follow-up care.

The girl’s condition has improved, and her family is calling on authorities to investigate the safety of these toys and warn other parents to be vigilant even with seemingly harmless products.