A Connecticut burn specialist is warning parents that NeeDoh squishy toys can cause serious burns if they heat up and break, releasing a thick, sticky gel. Dr. Alisa Savetamal, Medical Director of the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital, said the center has seen cases involving children who were burned by the substance after the toys were heated.

Warning Signs

The injuries can vary in severity, ranging from superficial burns to second-degree burns. Dr. Savetamal emphasized that it’s essential for parents to supervise their children during play and review all product instructions and warnings before use.

Schylling, the maker of NeeDoh, has stated that the safety of their consumers, especially children, is their top priority. They have been working directly with social media platforms to remove content that depicts or promotes the misuse of their products.

A TikTok trend was blamed when a 9-year-old in Illinois suffered burns to his face after placing a squishy toy in a microwave. Temperatures inside the toys can also rise when they are left in a hot car or out in the sun, posing a potential danger.

Prevention and Treatment

If a child suffers a burn, Dr. Savetamal advises parents to remove the burning substance from the skin and run cool tap water over the affected area for 20 minutes. Parents should seek medical attention if severe pain persists or if the burn covers a large portion of the face or hands.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.