Doctors warn of severe burns following new 'Squid Game' craze

Burns experts at Birmingham Children's hospital are warning families after a 'worrying' increase in the number of young people needing treatment after trying a new social media challenge inspired by the hit Netflix show 'Squid Game'.

WARNING: Graphic images from Birmingham Children's Hospital of burns injuries relating to this story are featured in this article.

The 'Dalgona' or 'Honeycomb' challenge is being shared across apps like TikTok and sees people boiling sugar and baking soda to make the sweet seen in the series. The worry from doctors comes when the honeycomb, which has a boiling point of 160 degrees Celsius, overheats causing severe burns.

Specialists have seen more children coming in needing treatment for their hands, legs and arms as a result.

Mr Oliver Sawyer, Consultant Burns and Plastic Surgeon at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“We’re really worried after seeing several children with very deep skin injuries caused by scalds linked to this social media trend. Given the very high boiling point of the substance any scalds do really have potential to cause serious scarring.

WARNING - GRPAHIC IMAGES OF INJURIES FOLLOWS

“We’d warn against anyone doing this because of the damage it can potentially cause but, as with any form of cooking, children should never be unaccompanied. In just a few seconds an accident could lead to life-changing and lasting injuries.”

Mr Sawyer added: “Sadly, we do see lots of injuries that are avoidable. We’d really encourage parents in the home to speak with children to warn of the real dangers associated with this social media trend.”

If an injury is sustained from boiling sugar water clinicians advise that all clothing touched by the substance is removed, the affected area is immediately submerged in cool running water and medical assistance is sought.

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