Viral 'KPop Demon Hunters' ramen trend causing pediatric burns
Doctors warn a viral trend inspired by the Netflix movie 'KPop Demon Hunters' — children and teens imitating a scene by eating hot instant noodles — has led to multiple scald and burn injuries at U.S. pediatric burn centers. Shriners Children's Boston (Dr. Colleen Ryan) reports seeing two to three cases weekly; the story cites the American Burn Association’s scald thresholds and a University of Chicago study linking instant‑noodle scalds to 31% of childhood scald admissions.
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🔍 Key Facts
- Shriners Children's Boston burn specialist Dr. Colleen Ryan says the clinic has seen about two to three burn cases per week tied to the instant‑noodle trend.
- A University of Chicago study found 31% of childhood scald admissions were caused by instant noodles.
- American Burn Association guidance: contact with 155°F (68°C) water can scald an adult in one second; children's thinner skin increases risk.
- Doctors advise 20 minutes of cool water as immediate first aid before calling for medical help.