A woman has shared how she was left with burns after her “expired” hot water bottle exploded.
Jade McKenna let out a “piercing scream” when the boiling water struck her arm.
With blisters popping up on her skin, the 30-year-old rushed to hospital and was referred to a specialist burn unit for treatment.
The bride-to-be was in tears – not only worrying about her health but also if she would make a full recovery before her big day.
“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 saw the raw skin underneath.
“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 Jade feeling “stupid” and mentally “scarred for life”.
After the incident, she had the dead skin removed.
While at the burns unit, she was assessed and told to return every few days to monitor her condition.
She said, “I was unable to type, drive, or 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.”
In the months following her accident, Jade’s arm was “hypersensitive” to cold and warm temperatures alike leaving her in pain.
She applied cream up to five times a day in order to heal fully before her wedding in October 2024.
Thankfully, the burns eventually healed and the bride was able to walk down the aisle without pain and looking gorgeous.
She said: “I was able to wear a shorter sleeve dress, which felt amazing.
“I’m not hypersensitive to cold and hot like I used to be, I only notice the burns when I have a shower – my skin goes a bit red and sore.
“I consider myself lucky.
“But I haven’t touched a hot water bottle since and I never will – no matter how cold it is.
“It’s not worth the risk.
“I use an electric blanket nowadays, as it’s much safer.
“I wish I’d known hot water bottles had an expiry date on them – that’s why I’m sharing my story to warn others.”
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