Microwave fidget toy trend still burning kids

State of play: The Shriners doctors say microwaving these toys for as little as 15 seconds can superheat the internal gel. It can expand and rupture the silicone shell, spraying hot gel onto skin like hot glue.

Between the lines: Knockoff versions of the spinners raise added risk.

• Health care providers say cheaper toys may use unpredictable internal compounds that make ruptures, deeper burns and chemical exposure more likely.
• Heat isn't the only danger. Leaving toys in hot cars, or freezing them, can crack the shell and release corrosive gel onto skin or eyes.

What they're saying: "We've even seen cases where a child's toy burst while they were simply holding it, likely from body heat alone," Jillian Pasciucco, a Shriners Children's Boston doctor, said in a release.

What's next: Shriners staff say the message isn't reaching parents fast enough.

• They want to raise awareness rather than rely on the trend fading on its own.

The bottom line: For scald burns, the Shriners doctors say run cool water over the area for 20 minutes and seek pediatric burn care.

• For chemical burns, rinse with cool water, avoid home remedies and get medical attention immediately.