A woman in Wales faced a medical emergency when a hot water bottle caused a large blister to develop on her leg, which later burst in the middle of the night. Sharon Portingale, aged 50 and from Aberdare, used to take a hot water bottle filled with boiling water to bed. One morning in December 2022, she woke up drenched, unaware at first of the cause due to nerve damage in her right leg. Upon realizing a huge blister had formed due to the heat of the hot water bottle, she sought medical attention.
Sharon’s wound became infected, leading to a transfer of care to the Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery. She recounted the severity of the infection, which spread to her ankle and knee, rendering her unable to walk and forcing her to take time off work. The incident highlighted a concerning trend, according to Janine Evans, an advanced practitioner occupational therapist at Morriston Hospital, who noted an increase in hot water bottle burns in recent years.
Offering advice to prevent similar incidents, Janine stressed the importance of allowing boiled water to cool for at least five minutes before filling a hot water bottle. She also recommended ensuring the hot water bottle is in good condition and positioned securely during use. Sharon’s injury, which occurred two years ago, has since healed, leaving her with a lasting scar on her leg. Reflecting on her experience, Sharon emphasized the need for caution when handling hot water bottles, urging others to let the water cool before use to avoid potential injuries.
Despite the challenging recovery process, Sharon expressed gratitude for the support received, including assistance in covering the scar with waterproof makeup. The ordeal served as a cautionary tale for the community, underscoring the importance of safety when using hot water bottles to prevent accidents and injuries. Sharon’s story serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with hot water bottles and the importance of taking precautions to avoid such incidents in the future.