A YOUNG woman has warned of the danger of using old hot water bottles after one exploded over her legs and groin causing severe burns.
Jessica Shanks, 25, had placed her hot water bottle between her stomach and the waistband of her pyjamas to soothe her stomach cramps while in bed.
But she was left in “agony” when the two-year-old bottle burst and hot water exploded onto her thighs on October 12.
Jessica, from Corfe Mullen in Dorset, passed out as her partner Finley showered her down with cold water.
Her mum raced her to the local hospital, where Jessica was diagnosed with second degree burns.
She was transferred to the burn unit at Salisbury Hospital where she then spent two and a half weeks recovering.
Jessica’s pain was so intense she had to use gas and air while showering and had surgery for skin grafts to help her wounds heal.
She said: “I usually use a hot water bottle to treat my stomach cramps so I placed it in between my stomach and waistband of my pyjamas.
“I had checked the date on it and it was two years out of date.
“I know it’s so naive but I just didn’t think anything would happen.
“It started to trickle down my thighs from the bottom of the water bottle and as I moved in shock, it then burst.
“I jumped up from bed who I was in with my partner Finley.”
Jessica, who works in a school for children with special educational needs, continued: “He saw the hot water bottle had exploded and he got me straight into the bath and showered my down for 15 minutes in cold water.
“I passed out from the pain and the shock.”
Jessica was taken to Poole Hospital where she said she was seen quickly and put under a cold shower for 20 minutes.
She was given pain medication including paracetamol and morphine while doctors focused on preventing any infection.
I passed out from the pain and the shock.
Jessica Shanks
Jessica said: “They had to pop all the blisters which were on my stomach, both my inner thighs and groin.
“This was the Saturday and they sad they’d make an appointment at Salisbury Burn Unit on Monday.
“But soon the nurse who was dealing with me said they were going to admit me to Salisbury given where the injuries were.
“I remember having a shower with one of the nurses and my mum as I couldn’t stand and I had to have gas and air every time they changes the dressings as I was in agony.
“I used gas and air in the shower. The gauze was stuck in the wound and we had to try and peel it off.”
Jessica decided to have skin graft surgery on October 19 and was operated on for two hours where surgeons took skin from her outer thigh.
I had to have gas and air every time they changes the dressings as I was in agony.
Jessica Shanks
She was told she was lucky because she could still feel her legs – but the whole experience has been “difficult”.
Jessica explained: “When I woke up in recovery after the surgery I was so much more positive as the surgery had halved the pain.
“It was easier to sleep in bed, it was manageable to get up and take a few steps.
“But I had to be catheterised for a week and a half as I couldn’t sit on the toilet without getting the bandages wet or risk infection.
“I was pretty much bedbound for the whole time. I had physiotherapy every day to get me up and into the chair next to my bed.
“I was going a bit stir crazy from being in bed.”
I had to be catheterised for a week and a half as I couldn’t sit on the toilet without getting the bandages wet or risk infection.
Jessica Shanks
Jessica said her wounds are healing well and since being discharged, has been able to walk around her village for 15 minutes at a time.
She’s now fundraising for Salisbury burn unit, who she said gave her “phenomenal” care.
Jessica said: “Everyone has been so amazing and I’m so grateful as it was traumatising. It was the most painful thing I’ve ever had.
“It is useful hot water bottles have the expiry on them. This one came from within the family and I never thought something lie this would happen.
“I want to be able to say thank you and show appreciation for the amazing work they do.”
How to determine your hot water bottle’s age
Hot water bottles can be a cosy companion during the winter months, but it’s crucial you ensure you use them correctly.
If hot water bottles are old, misused, cracked, leak, or explode, this can result in severe burns and injuries.
The typical lifespan is about two years. Beyond this, the risk of damage increases.
To determine your hot water bottle’s age, check the daisy wheel imprinted on its neck or body.
The central number indicates the year and 12 segments around this number represent months.
The filled segments mark its manufacturing month. For instance, if eight segments have dots, it means the bottle was crafted in August.
Other safety tips:
- Use hot water, but avoid boiling temperatures.
- Fill up to three-quarters only to minimize bursting risks.
- Remove all air above the water level before sealing to prevent injuries due to escaping hot air.
- Ensure the stopper is tightly secured.
- Wrap the bottle in a cloth or towel to avoid direct skin contact.
- Refrain from taking the bottle to bed.
- Don’t combine the use of a hot water bottle with an electric blanket.
- Avoid using the bottle as a cushion or sitting on it.
- Store the bottle without any weight on top.
- Replace your bottle every two years.
- Regularly inspect for wear and tear.
- Babies should never be given hot water bottles, wheat bags, or electric blankets.
