Israeli doctors raise alarm — new trend injures children
A 13-year-old girl from Hadera suffered second-degree burns while trying to replicate a TikTok trend of heating squishy toys in the microwave. Doctors at the Meuhedet health maintenance organization provided treatment, the mother warns of risks, and medics urge parents to explain the dangers of such experiments to their children.
At the Meuhedet urgent care center in Hadera, doctors treated a 13-year-old girl who suffered second-degree burns on her palm after attempting to replicate a popular TikTok trend. The trend involves heating squishy toys in the microwave to reshape them. The girl heated a silicone toy, and the hot material stuck to her skin, causing an immediate burn. The mother said her daughter tried to shape the toy as seen in videos and got burned within seconds. She noted they were lucky the toy contained silicone rather than liquid, as some squishies contain liquid and can explode, leading to more severe injuries. Due to the injury, the girl is missing out on summer activities, has no skin at the burn site, and fears scarring. Pediatrician Dr. Hassan Jasar, who treated the girl, reported she arrived with severe pain and anxiety, and a second-degree burn with blisters was diagnosed. The parents correctly rinsed the hand under cool water. The clinic applied topical ointments, prescribed painkillers, and provided infection prevention care. The girl was sent home with a bandage and recommendations. Dr. Muhammad Kabah, medical director of Meuhedet's northern district, warned of the risks of such trends, noting that heating squishies in the microwave can cause overheating, severe burns, and even explosions. He urged parents to explain the dangers of such experiments to their children.