Overview
- Caleb Chabolla of Plainfield microwaved a NeeDoh Nice Cube after a friend's suggestion tied to a TikTok idea, and the toy's gel exploded onto his face and hands.
- The nine-year-old sustained second-degree burns; clinicians removed dead skin, applied ointment, and confirmed his vision was unaffected after an ophthalmic exam.
- He was hospitalized at Loyola University Medical Center for two days, was discharged, has a burn-clinic follow-up, and is expected to return to school soon.
- Loyola burn specialists report this is their fourth NeeDoh case this year and warn that children are getting hurt copying risky social media trends.
- Schylling warns against heating or freezing NeeDoh toys, and TikTok says content promoting harmful behavior violates its guidelines and is removed.