Hot water bottle warning as burns soar by 40% in one year thanks to cost of living crisis

Scalds from have soared due to the .

Researchers examined national data for all hot water bottle burns treated in hospital over almost a decade, finding almost 6,000 cases between January 2014 and February 2023 dealt with by burns services in England and Wales, costing the more than £12 million.

There was a 40% rise during the peak of soaring , with more than 420 people across the country needing treatment for burns caused by the hot water bottles during the winter of 2022-23.

This was up from 295 in the winter of 2021-22, the research by doctors at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and Southmead Hospital in Bristol found.

The hospital data found nine in 10 cases required surgery while almost one in five needed skin grafts. Most were pensioners, with a 69% rise in cases treated by hospital units, according to the study, which was published in the journal Burns.

The researchers said the rise in people needing treatment was likely due to people trying to stay warm without putting the heating on.

Household fuel bills went up by almost 70% in 2022, with Russia's invasion of partly to blame for rising costs. During this time, hot water bottle sales went up by 200% - but they are a common cause of burns.

Rubber deteriorates over time so old hot water bottles can burst or leak and cause serious burns - so you shouldn't use one that is over two years old. Prolonged contact with a hot water bottle, such as during sleeping, can also lead to scalding.

The researchers said: “Our epidemiological study on hot water bottle-related burn injuries within the has shown that the dramatic rise in fuel prices, which sparked the fuel poverty crises, has coincided with a 43.4% increase in hot water bottle burns incidence on the health service in one year alone.

“This alarming rise … highlights the need for targeted public awareness campaigns to ensure a safe and proper use of these devices.”

The findings come after the government confirmed it would be scrapping the £300-a-year winter fuel allowance for more than 10 million pensioners.

Caroline Abrahams, of charity Age UK, said: “Many older people have told us they will not be putting their heating on this winter, due to them feeling under such acute financial pressure, made worse by the loss of the winter fuel payment."