Top Welsh Surgeon Warns of ‘Life-Changing’ Effects From Traditional Cold Remedy
Swansea, Wales – A leading Welsh surgeon is issuing a stark warning about the dangers of hot water bottles, revealing a concerning rise in scald injuries treated at Morriston Hospital. Despite repeated safety alerts, the number of patients requiring treatment for burns caused by hot water bottles continues to increase annually, perhaps leading to “life-changing” injuries.
Janine Evans, an advanced practitioner occupational therapist at the Morriston centre, highlighted the risks associated with this seemingly harmless winter remedy. “Despite safety warnings over the last few years, we are continuing to see a rise in hot water bottle scald injuries every year,” she stated. These injuries, she explained, are preventable with a few simple precautions.
The warning centres around the degradation of rubber over time and the dangers of using excessively hot water. Evans advises individuals to always check the manufacturing date stamped on their hot water bottle – located on the neck or collar – and replace it if it’s more than two years old, even if it appears to be in good condition.
“The rubber perishes over time,” Evans cautioned. “And never use freshly boiled water – always allow it to cool for at least five minutes before filling your hot water bottle.” Following these guidelines, she emphasized, can prevent painful and potentially debilitating burns.
