Take care with hot water bottles this winter

Stephanie Campbell, 27, suffered severe burns to her back and bottom after a hot water bottle burst on her. Like she had done many times in the past, Steph was using the hot water bottle to soothe a sore stomach. On this occasion however, the rubber split open, dousing Steph in burning hot water. She was admitted to the Victorian Adult Burns Service at The Alfred for 10 days, undergoing surgery to take grafts from the skin on her back to cover the worst of her burns. 

Burns surgeon Dr Dane Holden said the team had seen an influx of patients suffering severe burns due to hot water bottles recently, and urged people to take care.

"Already this winter, we’ve seen a significant number of people admitted with severe burn injuries as a result of hot water bottle use," Dr Holden said.

"The majority of these patients require skin grafting and will be recovering for months, with the risk of permanent scarring. Please check the condition of your hot water bottle before using it, replace it with a new one every 12 months, don’t over-fill it and never put pressure on it in any way.”

If using a hot water bottle:

• Replace it every 12 months
• Check it for damage before each use
• Choose a hot water bottle with a large opening to reduce the risk of splashing when filling
• Pour slowly and do not overfill
• Ensure the plug is properly sealed to prevent leakage
• Use a cover or wrap a towel around the bottle
• Store empty hot water bottle in a cool, dry location.

 When using a hot water bottle, do not:

• Use boiling water to fill it - only use warm water
• Fill it near children
• Warm in a microwave or oven
• Use in a bed fitted with an electric blanket
• Lean, roll, lie or press against a hot water bottle.

 If you or someone you know sustains a burn, cool the burn under running water for at least 20 minutes. If the burn is larger than 3cm or has blistered, or if you have any other concerns, seek medical attention.