Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Laser-heating and Radiance Spectrometry for the Study of Nuclear Materials in Conditions Simulating a Nuclear Power Plant Accident
Published on: December 14, 2017
Perforating foreign body reaction to unheated liquid contents of lava lamp
1Department of Dermatology, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia.
Abstract:
A 21-month-old girl developed a local skin reaction after the unheated liquid contents of a broken lava lamp were in contact with her skin overnight. Several weeks later, small umbilicated erythematous papules containing central keratotic spines developed within the affected areas. Biopsy showed a granulomatous foreign body reaction with focal transepidermal elimination. Electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis of the tissue revealed carbon-based material, consistent with substances reported to be present in lava lamp liquid.

