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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Health
Lucinda Cameron

Urgent warning over online ‘squishy’ trend leaving children with skin grafts

11-year-old Scarlet Rowe from Irvine, who was treated for burns to her face and eyelid after heating a squishy toy in May. Specialist burns staff at the Royal Hospital for Children - (Gina Rowe/PA Wire)

Doctors are issuing urgent warnings about a dangerous online trend involving microwaving "squishy" toys, after several children sustained severe burns.

Videos circulating widely online depict these soft, squeezable toys being heated to enhance their pliability. However, experts warn that this causes internal pressure to build within the squishy, significantly increasing the risk of it exploding. The hot gel released can then stick to skin, leading to serious injuries.

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