In April, Jasmine and Tea, a TikTok user, posted a guide on making Tanghulu, starting with a sugar-water mixture. You should microwave the mixture for five minutes, stirring every thirty seconds. The Tanghulu trend quickly gained traction, with many influencers joining in on the fun. However, the boiling liquid gets extremely hot, so avoid touching it directly. After dipping the fruits in the syrup, let the sugar-coated fruit solidify. Sadly, several toddlers burned themselves after trying the viral trend, according to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Boston.
Surgeon Colleen Ryan, MD, treated two toddlers for burns within two weeks of the trend’s rise. She explained, “When sugar is melted in the microwave, it stores a lot of heat energy.” While spilling it causes burns like hot soup, sugar’s properties make it far more dangerous. As the NY Post stated, it creates deeper burns, especially when spilled on children. Kids may grab the hot container, causing sugar to splash or spill.
Ryan further mentioned that burns from the sugar could be small but deep, often occurring on the face or hands. Following the viral Tanghulu trend, there has been a rise in serious burns, both in the U.S. and abroad. The surgeon emphasized that parents should be cautious if their children try making Tanghulu at home. Ryan advised, “Everyone needs to be aware of the risks to prevent injuries.” She added that awareness could help avoid such accidents.
Marc Siegel, a clinical professor at NYU Langone, also warned of the dangers, noting viral trends can be contagious among kids. He explained that melting sugar can be hazardous and should be handled carefully. Surgeons from Shriners recommend avoiding ice and removing any clothing near the burn. Siegel also urged parents to seek medical help when necessary. If the burn is severe (black, brown, or white), immediate medical attention is crucial.
