Ramen trend inspired by “KPop Demon Hunters” causing serious burns, doctors warn
The popularity of the Netflix movie “KPop Demon Hunters” has sparked a dangerous food trend among children and teens. Inspired by a scene from the movie where characters eat hot instant noodles, kids are now attempting to replicate this by consuming the noodles while they are still scalding hot. Unfortunately, this trend has resulted in a significant number of burn injuries, prompting doctors to issue a warning.
Dr. Colleen Ryan, a burn care specialist at Shriners Children’s Boston and Harvard Medical School, has observed a concerning trend of children suffering burns from both the high temperature of the noodles and spills of hot water. According to Dr. Ryan, the microwave plays a significant role in these injuries as children often struggle to handle the hot containers themselves. The clinic has been receiving two to three burn cases per week as a result of this trend.
Burn injuries can have lasting effects, both physically and emotionally. The American Burn Association highlights the susceptibility of children to scalding injuries due to their thinner skin, with even brief contact with 155-degree water posing a risk. A study conducted at the University of Chicago revealed that 31% of childhood scald admissions were attributed to instant noodles.
In response to these injuries, Dr. Ryan emphasizes the importance of immediate post-burn first aid, recommending the application of cool water for at least 20 minutes followed by seeking medical assistance. It is crucial to act swiftly to minimize the severity of the burns and prevent long-term complications.
The age range of children affected by these injuries varies, with Dr. Ryan noting a wide range of ages among those seeking treatment for noodle-related burns. Research indicates that children aged 8 to 10 are particularly susceptible to viral trends like this, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and supervision.
As the trend continues to pose a threat to children’s safety, parents and caregivers are urged to remain vigilant and educate young ones about the risks associated with imitating dangerous behaviors seen in movies or on social media. By promoting awareness and practicing caution, we can help prevent unnecessary injuries and protect our children from harm.
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This article was written by Nikki Battiste, a CBS News national correspondent based in New York. With an impressive track record of Emmy and Peabody awards, Nikki’s reporting is featured across all CBS News platforms.
