A woman is sharing her harrowing ordeal after a hot water bottle exploded over her arm – because it had expired.
Jade McKenna, 29, used to be an avid user of hot water bottles, turning to them on chilly days or in a bid to soothe any cramps.
Until one exploded all over her arm.
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The communications manager, who was left with second degree burns, will now have to remain on alert as summer draws near, since she’s at high-risk of developing skin cancer.
She hopes to raise awareness with her story, especially since a little known fact is the cause; hot water bottle expiration dates.
“I howled out in pain with a piercing scream as the boiling water prickled my skin,” Jade, from Coventry, told Need To Know.
“I ran my arm under the cold water tap, but I noticed blisters forming and the raw skin underneath showing.
“I was in complete agony.
“At the hospital, they told me that if I hadn’t put my arm under the tap, it could’ve been third degree burns, which would have resulted in scarring.
“They also told me that hot water bottles have an expiration date; with mine being five months overdue.”
It’s recommended that hot water bottles are replaced every two years, with the year of manufacture printed around the edges.
The oversight left her feeling “stupid” and mentally “scarred for life”.
Jade had the dead skin removed, as well as any blisters popped, before being referred to a specialist burns unit in December 2023.
While there, she was assessed and told to return every few days to monitor her condition.
But the ordeal left her daily life in disarray.
She said: “I was unable to type, drive and even shower, as it was too difficult.
“I got signed off work for five weeks and spent a lot of it in bed.
“I was told to do physio and regular exercises to prevent my arm from healing in a static position.”
Now, she’s hoping to make a full recovery before her wedding in October 2024 – and is applying creams up to five times every day.
Jade added: “My arm is now classed as hypersensitive, meaning it feels cold and warm temperatures easily, which can be painful.
“I’m hopeful my arm will be back to normal in time for my wedding.
“It’s been a huge eye opener.
“I wish I’d known hot water bottles had an expiry date on them.
“If you are going to use them, fill them with water from the hot tap or wait for the kettle to cool down.
“Or better yet, don’t use them at all.”
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