A Missouri family is warning parents about a dangerous social media trend after their seven-year-old daughter suffered severe burns and was placed into a medically induced coma.
Scarlett Selby was reportedly injured after attempting a viral online challenge involving a popular squishy stress toy known as the NeeDoh cube.
Viral Trend Ended in Horror
According to her parents, Scarlett had seen videos online showing people freezing and microwaving the toy before squeezing it. After leaving the cube in the freezer overnight, she reportedly heated it in the microwave the following day.
Moments later, the toy exploded.
Her father, Josh Selby, said he heard a “blood-curdling scream” before rushing to help his daughter. He described the toy’s contents as extremely hot, sticky, and difficult to remove from her skin.
Severe Burns Led to Induced Coma
Scarlett suffered serious burns to her chest, chin, and mouth. Doctors later placed her into an induced coma due to fears that swelling around her airways could prevent her from breathing properly.
She remained hospitalized for a week, including several days in intensive care. Her mother, Amanda Blankenship, said the experience left the family devastated and terrified.
The family says Scarlett has been left with significant scarring, and doctors may consider future skin graft procedures depending on her recovery.
Parents Urge Families to Be Careful
The NeeDoh toy, manufactured by Schylling Toys, is marketed as a sensory stress toy and contains a non-toxic gel-like material. The company’s website includes a warning advising customers not to heat, freeze, or microwave the product because it may cause injury.
Scarlett’s parents are now encouraging families to closely monitor online trends that children may attempt to recreate at home. Experts have repeatedly warned that viral social media challenges can spread rapidly among young audiences, even when they involve potentially dangerous behavior.
The incident has also sparked wider discussions about how platforms like TikTok and YouTube influence children, particularly when risky trends appear harmless at first glance.
