Woman left with second-degree burns after out-of-date hot water bottle explodes

A young woman from Dorset, Jessica Shanks, experienced a terrifying incident when an out-of-date hot water bottle exploded, leaving her with second-degree burns. Jessica, 25, had used the hot water bottle, which was two years past its expiry date, to help alleviate stomach cramps by placing it between her stomach and pyjama waistband. Unfortunately, the bottle burst, causing scalding hot water to trickle down her thighs and groin, leading to excruciating pain and severe burns on October 12 at her home in Corfe Mullen.

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Jessica’s partner, Finley, quickly acted by showering her with cold water as she passed out from the intense pain. Her mother rushed her to the local hospital, where she was diagnosed with second-degree burns. Due to the severity of her injuries, Jessica was transferred to the burn unit at Salisbury Hospital for treatment. She underwent surgery for skin grafts during her two-and-a-half-week stay at the hospital.

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Despite being aware of the risks of using an expired hot water bottle, Jessica shared that she had not expected such a catastrophic outcome. She described the harrowing moment when the bottle burst, causing her to jump up in shock. Finley’s prompt response to shower her with cold water for 15 minutes helped alleviate some of the pain, but Jessica fainted from the shock. Her mother sought urgent medical attention at Poole Hospital, where Jessica received immediate treatment.

Following her discharge from the hospital, Jessica continues to recover at home. She underwent skin graft surgery to aid in her healing process, a procedure that significantly reduced her pain levels. Despite the progress, Jessica faced challenges during her recovery, including being bedbound and needing daily physiotherapy to regain mobility. She expressed gratitude for the care she received at Salisbury burn unit and is fundraising to show her appreciation for their exceptional support.

Jessica’s ordeal serves as a stark warning about the potential dangers of using expired hot water bottles. She emphasised the importance of checking product expiry dates and being cautious about their usage to prevent similar incidents from occurring. Jessica’s story highlights the serious consequences that can result from overlooking such safety precautions and underscores the need for vigilance when using everyday household items to prevent accidents and injuries.