Medical staff at Shriners Children’s Boston have reported an increase in burn injuries among children, which they attribute to the use of homemade humidifiers that involve boiling water. The hospital, known for its pediatric burn care, has treated several cases this winter where children suffered second-degree burns after pots of boiling water were placed in bedrooms to help relieve congestion from respiratory illnesses.
Melissa DiPiro, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC/AC, a nurse practitioner at Shriners Children’s Boston, explained: “Parents are trying to help their children breathe easier, and their intentions are good. But placing an open pot of boiling water in a child’s room is extremely dangerous. It only takes a second for a child to trip, lean or reach too close.”
DiPiro noted that she has seen four to five pediatric patients this season with burns linked to at-home steam remedies. These injuries often take two to four weeks to heal and can be more severe if substances such as menthol or herbal additives are added to the water. She said these additives can make the water oily and lead to deeper burns.
“We’ve seen a variety of injuries associated with these DIY humidifiers, including children accidentally knocking into them,” DiPiro stated. “We’ve seen a wide range from 3-year-olds to middle school-aged children come in with these injuries.”
DiPiro also mentioned that while steam inhalation has long been used as a home remedy for respiratory symptoms, social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube have recently promoted these do-it-yourself methods as quick fixes for congestion.
The hospital advises families not to use any home remedies involving boiling water. Instead, they recommend using store-bought cool-mist humidifiers and keeping hot liquids out of children’s reach at all times.
If a burn does occur, Shriners Children’s Boston recommends running the affected area under cool (not cold) water immediately, avoiding oils or ointments on the burn, seeking emergency medical care promptly, and never applying ice directly to the injury.
