A doctor has issued a stark warning about the potential dangers of using hot water bottles.
Dr Nomzzy, also known as The Skin Doc on TikTok, cautioned that incorrect use of these comforting winter warmers could lead to “serious burns”.
In a candid online video, he revealed: “If you use a hot water bottle, but you’ve got no idea what this means, then you’re at a risk of a serious burn. My name is Doctor Muhammed, I practice in London, and the reason why I’m making this video is because in my career I’ve come across countless patients who needed a referral to the burns unit, and it’s often come to light that their hot water bottle was to blame.”
He further explained that many people are unaware that hot water bottles have an expiry date, which is two years from the date of manufacture. To determine when your bottle will expire, you need to interpret a specific figure.
He added: “So, the 21 in the middle, corresponds to the year the hot water bottle was manufactured, and it’s got 12 different segments there. So, each segment corresponds to a month. In this one, you’ve got the first one, which has four, the second one, which has four, the third one has four and the fourth one has three.
“Each of the dots corresponds to the week, so January is full, February is full, March is full and April has only got three. So this was made in the third week of April 2021. To find out when it will expire, calculate two years ahead from that.”
He also emphasised the importance of safety, advising never to fill hot water bottles with boiling water, but to use warm water instead. This advice comes as a crucial tip for staying warm safely during the colder months.
The informative video has since gone viral, racking up more than 1,000 views, sparking a flurry of comments from viewers sharing their experiences and opinions. One shared their cautionary tale, writing: “Yes, I have been burnt twice with a hot water bottle. Good message.”
Others reminisced about past experiences, with another saying: “I haven’t used those since I was a little girl. They were the best!” Meanwhile, a third also revealed: “Mine was made in 2009, first week of June.”
For those wondering how to use a hot water bottle safely, experts have laid out some simple yet essential guidelines to follow, ensuring your warmth doesn’t come with risks. These include:
- Never use boiling water. Always allow the water to cool down before filling up the bottle.
- Only fill the bottle to two-thirds of its capacity. This will minimise the chances of it bursting.
- Always make sure the stopper is tightly secured to avoid leaks.
- Use a cover at all times. You should wrap the hot water bottle in a towel or cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin.
- Always check the bottle for cracks, leaks and damage before you use it.
- Try not to use it on sensitive areas, and stop children or elderly people from using it.
- Never sleep with it – always remove it from your bed before nodding off.
- Make sure you regularly replace the bottle with a new one every few years, as instructed by the bottle.
