A Leicestershire mum was left with third-degree burns and a permanent scar after a seven-year-old hot water bottle exploded on her lap. Karen O'Brien urges others to avoid using hot water bottles.
A mother from Leicestershire, England, is sharing her harrowing experience after a seven-year-old hot water bottle exploded on her lap, leaving her with third-degree burns and a permanent scar. Karen O'Brien, 52, suffered the burn in March 2024 while attempting to alleviate pain from shingles. She boiled the kettle and filled her hot water bottle as usual, but upon sitting down, the bottle burst, causing boiling water to scald her legs.
The intense pain forced her to jump up and scream, and as she pulled her trousers down, she witnessed her skin peeling away. Fortunately, her neighbor, a nurse, rushed to her aid, advising her to take a bath and eventually transporting her to the Leicester Royal Infirmary Hospital. Medical professionals at the hospital removed layers of damaged skin to prevent infection and applied dressings. Karen endured agonizing pain for over a month as the burn healed, requiring frequent visits to her GP for redress. The emotional toll of the incident was also significant. Karen found herself overwhelmed with unexpected tears two weeks after the burn, struggling to cope mentally. She also faced financial difficulties as she claimed not to have received sick pay from her employer. Her sister, Dawn, set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to help Karen take time off work and recover. The campaign successfully raised around £60, providing Karen with some financial relief. Karen now bears a large scar and discoloration on her leg. While she has come to accept the scar, she remains extremely cautious around hot items, opting for battery-powered alternatives to avoid any further incidents. She cautions others against using hot water bottles, especially children, emphasizing their potential danger
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Mum left with third-degree burns and scar after hot water bottle burstA mum left with third-degree burns and a permanent scar after her seven-year-old hot water bottle burst open on her lap has urged others to “never ever” use them, saying her skin “just melted away”
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