As the cold weather sets in, many of us turn to trusty hot water bottles for a bit of extra warmth and comfort on those chilly evenings.
They’re great for snuggling up with and can help soothe various aches and pains. However, a London-based doctor has issued a stark warning about their use.
Dr Nomzzy, known as The Skin Doc on TikTok, cautioned that incorrect use could lead to “serious burns”. In an informative video, he shared his concerns, saying: “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 continued to explain the importance of being aware of the expiry date of hot water bottles, which is typically two years from the manufacturing date. He instructed on how to interpret the expiry information, adding: “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.”
Moreover, he emphasised the importance of never pouring boiling water directly into hot water bottles, suggesting instead that you should ensure the water is warm to maintain safety during the colder months. The video has generated considerable interest, amassing more than 1,000 views since its posting, and also sparked a flurry of comments from viewers sharing their personal experiences.
One person commented: “Yes, I have been burnt twice with a hot water bottle. Good message.” Another wrote: “I haven’t used those since I was a little girl. They were the best!”
A third commenter revealed: “Mine was made in 2009, first week of June.”
How should I use a water bottle safely?
Experts offer clear guidelines which include several important tips to ensure safety. They 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.