Shriners Children’s Boston is warning parents that physicians are still seeing an alarming number of kids receiving severe burn injuries after microwaving gel-filled fidget toys.

According to Shriners, in a news release, experts say the danger is growing as knockoff versions of these toys enter the market, potentially causing deeper scald burns and even chemical burns when the unknown contents overheat, leak or rupture. 

Earlier this year, a social media trend encouraging people to microwave these popular toys went viral, landing dozens of children in the hospital with second- and third-degree scald burns after the gel inside exploded. In the last six months, doctors at Shriners Children’s Boston have treated at least one patient per week linked to this trend and are seeing even more now that kids are spending more time at home during summer break. 

Colleen Ryan, MD, Associate Surgeon at Shriners Children’s Boston, said her team is seeing a startling amount of patients with burn injuries related to these toys and their knockoff versions, treating everything from minor burns to severe scalds, often affecting the face, neck, and hands. The steady stream of cases underscores the ongoing danger of a trend that continues to grow in popularity. 

“What many families don’t realize is that even 15 seconds in the microwave can heat the gel inside these toys to dangerous temperatures,” said Dr. Ryan. “As the gel heats up, it expands and builds pressure inside the silicone shell, which can suddenly rupture. When that happens, the hot gel can spray out and stick to the skin much like hot glue, making it difficult to remove and causing severe burns.” 

Jillian Pasciucco, DNP, BSN, at Shriners Children’s Boston, works closely with the burn and plastic surgery teams on these cases and says they’ve also seen burn injuries linked to knock-off versions of these toys. 

“We're finding that some lower-cost versions of these products may be manufactured using different internal compounds, which could potentially affect their overall safety.” said Pasciucco. “Their construction and materials can be unreliable, increasing the risk of ruptures, deeper burns and exposure to potentially harmful and corrosive chemicals. We’ve even seen cases where a child’s toy burst while they were simply holding it, likely from body heat alone.” 

As temperatures rise in the summer, children may leave these toys outside or in hot cars, where the heat can warm the contents and increase the risk of rupture. Others may try placing them in the freezer, but extreme cold can be just as dangerous. Freezing can make the outer shell brittle and more likely to crack or break when handled or as it warms back up, allowing the gel inside to leak or burst out. If the gel comes into contact with the skin or eyes, it can cause irritation and chemical burns, especially on a child’s sensitive skin. 

Oftentimes, the print on the packaging states these toys are intended to be used solely at room temperature, but it’s a warning that many families may miss. Pasciucco says it’s important to raise awareness so parents can educate their children about using these toys safely and as intended. 

“These social media trends aren’t reaching the people who need to know about them,” said Pasciucco. “Most parents have no idea these toys are even an issue, even though kids are exposed to them constantly. We can’t just say ‘stop social media,’ because trends will come and go. The key is giving parents the information they need to have informed conversations with their kids about what they’re seeing, and raising awareness about the potential dangers so injuries can be prevented.” 

Shriners Children’s Boston, Northern California, Ohio and Texas are accredited by the American Burn Association (ABA) as verified pediatric burn centers. To learn more, go to www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/pediatric-care/burn-care. 

If your child receives a scald burn:

· Remove the child from the hot liquid immediately

· Remove any clothing at the site of injury

· Cool the injury with cool tap water

· Do not put ice on a burn

· Seek medical attention and call 911 if necessary. Once the injury has been assessed in an emergency setting, seek care at a healthcare facility with pediatric burn care expertise. 

If your child receives a chemical burn:

·       Remove the child from the source of exposure immediately

·       Take off contaminated clothing

·       Rinse the injury with cool tap water

·       Do not try to neutralize the chemical with other substances

·       Avoid applying creams, ointments or home remedies before medical evaluation

·       Seek immediate medical attention 

Shriners Children’s improves the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, conducting innovative research, and offering outstanding education programs for medical professionals. Children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care, regardless of the families’ ability to pay or insurance status, and receive all care and services in a compassionate, family-centered environment. For more information, please visit shrinerschildrens.org. To learn more, go to www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/pediatric-care/burn-care.