⚠️ Girl in Coma After Microwaving Squishy Toy Inspired by TikTok Trend
Scarlett Selby, a seven-year-old girl from Festus, Missouri, was hospitalized in an induced coma following a horrifying accident tied to a viral TikTok challenge. Mirroring videos she’d watched online, Scarlett froze a NeeDoh squishy toy overnight and briefly microwaved it the next day—only for it to explode violently, showering her face and chest with molten goo.
📹 What Happened
Scarlett’s father, Josh Selby, recounted hearing her “blood-curdling scream” as the toy burst in her hands. She was immediately covered in a hot, sticky substance that adhered to her skin and clothing. Josh rushed to her aid, struggling to clear the resin-like goo, even tearing off her shirt because it had fused to it.
Scarlett was driven 30 minutes to St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where doctors placed her in a medically induced coma to prevent swelling around her mouth from blocking her airways. She remained comatose for three days and was fed through a tube during her hospital stay.
A seven-year-old girl was left in a coma after copying an online squishy toy trend which left her with life-changing injuries.
🛑 Aftermath & Health Concerns
Although she recovered consciousness, Scarlett suffered second and third-degree burns spanning her face and chest. Her parents were advised a skin graft may be required in the future, though doctors are delaying surgery until her body grows—possibly around age 12. Meanwhile, daily treatments with creams and silicone ointments continue to manage the raised, painful scars.
Scarlett often becomes upset when she sees her reflection, especially after baths. She’s become self-conscious at school, sometimes covering her scar with a shirt or avoiding mirrors after another child draws attention to it. Her mother reassures her that the accident doesn’t define her, and that she remains beautiful and strong.
🔔 Warnings & Manufacturer Response
Scarlett’s parents are now urging others to immediately dispose of any NeeDoh toys at home. Josh warns the toy’s contents resemble hot glue, which causes severe, adhesive burns that are nearly impossible to remove.
Schylling Toys, the manufacturer of NeeDoh, responded publicly: they condemned the misuse of their products and confirmed that the toy packaging now includes bold warnings. They have also partnered with social media platforms to remove hazardous content and are working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
TikTok confirmed it prohibits content that depicts dangerous behavior, and YouTube emphasized restrictions on risky challenges involving minors. Both platforms say user safety is their “utmost priority.”
🧼 How Burns Are Treated & Recovery Outlook
- Superficial burns affect only the outer skin layer (epidermis).
- Full-thickness burns impact all layers—including the dermis and deeper tissue. Scarlett sustained severe burns requiring long-term treatment.
The NHS advises anyone with chemical or thermal burns to seek immediate medical help. Do not attempt home treatments for serious injuries like Scarlett’s.
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