A mother from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, is warning others after a traumatic incident involving a hot water bottle left her with serious injuries. Karen O’Brien, a 52-year-old retail worker, suffered third-degree burns when her hot water bottle burst open on her lap in March 2024. The incident caused her skin to blister and peel away, leaving her with severe damage that required medical attention at Leicester Royal Infirmary Hospital. Karen now has a large scar on her thigh and permanent skin discolouration as a result of the burn.
The emotional toll of the ordeal was also significant for Karen, as she struggled with unexpected bouts of crying and emotional distress in the aftermath of the incident. She had to cope with the pain and trauma of the burn while also coming to terms with the lasting physical consequences it left on her body. Despite the challenges she faced, Karen eventually learned to accept her scar and not feel self-conscious about it.
Karen’s ordeal began when she used a hot water bottle to help manage the pain from shingles on her scalp, which left her with discomfort in her neck and shoulder. As she sat down with the hot water bottle, which she had owned for around seven years, it unexpectedly burst open, causing boiling water to spill on her legs. The intense pain and damage to her skin were immediate, and Karen had to seek medical help to treat the burns and prevent infection.
The severity of Karen’s injuries required medical intervention, including the removal of damaged skin and regular dressing changes to aid the healing process. The physical recovery was a lengthy and painful journey for Karen, who had to endure weeks of treatment and care to heal from the burns. Additionally, the financial strain of not receiving sick pay during her recovery added to the challenges she faced.
In response to her traumatic experience, Karen now advocates against using hot water bottles, especially around children, due to the potential dangers they pose. She emphasises the importance of handling hot items with caution and highlights the risks associated with using hot water bottles that may be old or worn. Karen’s own caution around hot objects has increased, and she now takes extra care to avoid potential burn hazards in her daily life.
Despite the physical and emotional scars she carries from the incident, Karen remains grateful for the support she received, including a GoFundMe set up by her sister to help cover expenses during her recovery. The community rallying around her during a difficult time provided some relief amidst the challenges she faced. Karen’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safety when using hot water bottles and other hot items to prevent accidents and injuries.
In conclusion, Karen O’Brien’s harrowing experience with a hot water bottle serves as a cautionary tale for others. Her journey of healing and recovery highlights the importance of vigilance when handling hot objects and the potential risks involved in using them. By sharing her story and advocating for safer practices, Karen hopes to prevent similar accidents and spare others from enduring the pain and trauma she faced.