Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleEight-year-old Joseph from Clackmannanshire, who needed weeks of treatment and a skin graft after a heated squishy toy burst across his chest and hand (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde)Doctors are issuing urgent warnings about a dangerous online trend where children microwave "squishy" toys, leading to severe burns. Heating these soft, squeezable toys causes internal pressure to build, risking explosion and the release of extremely hot, sticky gel that can adhere to skin. The Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow has treated six children for injuries related to this trend over the past eight months, with some requiring surgery, including skin grafts. Eight-year-old Joseph Erskine needed a skin graft after a toy burst on his chest and hand, while 11-year-old Scarlet Rowe sustained burns to her face and eyelid. Parents and medical professionals are urging vigilance, advising parents to discuss the risks with their children and monitor online content to prevent further injuries. In fullUrgent warning over online ‘squishy’ trend leaving children with skin graftsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Microwaving toys can lead to them exploding

Several children have sustained severe burns after taking part in a social media trend to heat 'squishy' toys in the microwave, with some needing surgery including skin grafts

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Medical experts are warning of the dangers of a trend for heating 'squishy' toys in the microwave after several children suffered serious burns.

The trend, which involves heating ‘squishy’ toys to make them softer, is prompting hospitals to issue warnings to parents

WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES: Little Livi was left with painful blisters on her hands after her squishy toy suddenly 'exploded', and needed to be taken to a hospital for treatment