Parents urged to stay vigilant about the safety of squishy toys

Follows a reported increase in burns injuries in the UK

Parents on the Isle of Man are being urged to remain vigilant about the safety of 'squishy toys'.

It comes after a reported 260-percent increase in burn injuries linked to them in the UK since last year.

A recent social media trend involves putting the squishy fidget toys in the microwave to warm them up.

They're clear cubes that are filled with a coloured gel and are used like a stress ball and warming them is supposed to make them softer and a bit easier to play with.

Their popularity's soared in recent months, but concerns are growing about some cheaper versions containing unsafe chemicals and choking hazards.

Heating the toys can cause pressure to build inside them, which increases the risk of the toy exploding.

Then, the hot gel that's inside can stick to skin and cause severe burns.

In fact, the Children's Burns Trust in the UK says it's seen a 260-percent increase in burn injuries related to the squishy toys since last year.

They're often on the hands and the face and in some cases will lead to lifelong scarring.

The Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading (OFT) says it's aware of what's happening in the UK, but insists there have been no reports of this happening here yet.

However, it's strongly urging parents and children not to follow this trend.

It also says parents should be vigilant about the safety of squishy toys more generally.

You might remember back in July the OFT seized a number of unsafe squishy toys from a shop in Douglas in July, and it's reminding people of the advice it issued then.

It says to check toys for CE or UKCA safety markings, age warnings and instructions for use.

The OFT also says if you have any concerns about a toy to stop using it and keep it out of reach of children.

What should you do if you or your child are burned?

When treating a burn, you need to act quickly.

The advice from NHS England is:

1. Hold the burn or scald under cool running water for 20 minutes. Do this as soon as possible, within 3 hours of it happening. If there's no running water available, you can use cool bottled water or a wet towel.
2. Remove any clothing or jewellery that's near the affected area – but do not remove anything that is stuck to the affected area.
3. When the burn or scald has cooled, lay cling film over it if you can. Do not wrap the cling film around it.

You should also seek medical advice, as it may need to be treated in hospital depending on the severity of the burn.

Do not put creams, oils or butter on the injury, or use plasters or sticky dressings to the over it.

You also shouldn't burst any blisters that form. 

You can find more advice here.