Viral NeeDoh Trend Sparks Serious Burn Warning

Shriners Children's Boston, a specialty hospital specializing in pediatric burn care, is sounding an alarm over the misuse of gel-filled stress relief toys such as NeeDoh that is injuring kids at an "alarming" rate.

Why Microwaving NeeDoh Toys Is So Dangerous

"Earlier this year, a social media trend encouraging people to microwave these popular toys went viral, landing dozens of children in the hospital with second-and-third-degree scald burns after the gel inside exploded," Shriners said in a press release.

The hospital said it sees at least one patient a week with "severe scald and chemical burns," associated with the toys.

Doctors Warn Knockoff Toys May Be Even Riskier

"Clinicians say the danger is growing as knockoff versions of these toys enter the market, potentially causing deeper scald burns and even chemical burns when the unknown contents overheat, leak, or rupture," according to Shriners.

How the Viral Social Media Trend Started

CBS News reported, "The craze over NeeDohs, gel-filled fidget toys, has rendered many store shelves empty, but the viral challenge of putting them in the microwave has resulted in injuries."

"Schylling, a toy company manufacturer based in Massachusetts, is actively partnering with social media platforms to remove videos promoting the dangerous trends," CBS said. "Its labels explicitly warn users not to heat, freeze, or microwave the toys."

"Often, the printing on the packaging states these toys are intended to be used solely at room temperature, but it's a warning that many families may miss," according to CBS.

Boston.com reported, "Children are at risk if they leave the toys outside in warm temperatures or in hot cars." Extreme cold can also increase the risk of danger.

Shriners Doctors Are Seeing More Burn Victims

Shriners' Dr. Collen Ryan said her team is seeing a "startling" number of patients with burn injuries related to these toys and knockoff versions.

"What many families don't realize is that even 15 seconds, possibly less, in the microwave can heat the gel inside these toys to dangerous temperatures," she said.