As the plastic breaks down, it shrivels and yellows. The acid it produces attacks the metal fittings inside the doll, causing them to rust. This then produces both the red spots and the strange tears.
Unfortunately, once this process begins it cannot be reversed. However, the signs of sad doll disease can be masked by making some lovely clothing! Find out about our dolls’ dressmaking service here.
We do recommend keeping dolls with any signs of yellowing or shrinkage, like the images shown here, well away from any other dolls in your collection.
The best way to help prevent this process from beginning is to keep your doll out of direct sunlight, in a well ventilated place.