Overview

• Shriners Children’s Boston says it is seeing two to three instant-noodle burn cases each week, with eight patients this year tied to the trend.
• Children and teens are imitating a movie scene by eating hot cup noodles on TikTok using hashtags like #KPopNoodleChallenge and #DemonHuntersRamen.
• Doctors highlight risks from tall, tip-prone cups and heat-retaining sticky noodles that can cause deeper burns than hot water alone.
• Clinicians also warn about spills when kids reach into high microwaves or peel back lids, urging adult supervision and safer handling.
• Experts advise immediate first aid with 20 minutes of cool running water and medical care for serious burns, noting a 2023 study found about 31% of pediatric scald admissions involved instant noodles.