Spike in ‘horrific burns’ prompts warning over home remedy

A Sydney mum who used a tried and tested home treatment for colds and flu has warned other parents to be careful after her child ended up in hospital with third-degree burns.

A Sydney mum is warning other parents not to use the age-old home remedy of steam inhalation for their children after her son suffered third-­degree burns as a result.

Mary Zeaiter from Thornleigh said her son Charlie, aged eight, is one of 35 children who have ­recently been treated for burns in Sydney’s two paediatric hospitals – the highest level in years.

“In June we all had the flu and then Charlie got a chest infection and so the doctor told us to put some Vicks in some boiling water so he could breathe it in to decongest him,” Ms Zeaiter said.

“That is what we did but stupidly just put the bowl on the table instead of somewhere safe like a sink.

“When he put the towel over his head I’m guessing it got really dark and he got claustrophobic. He pulled back and took the bowl with him and tipped it all over himself.”

Charlie spilt hot water on himself while inhaling steaming vapour rub to get rid of a cold. Picture: Supplied

Eight year-old Charlie Zeaiter with his mum Mary at The Children’s Hospital in Westmead. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Charlie sustained burns to 18 per cent of his body and required skin grafts.

“It looked horrendous, his skin had peeled off and it was really horrible, I think he was in shock and he wasn’t crying, he was really brave,” she said.

Charlie needed skin grafts for his burns. Picture: Supplied

Charlie still requires regular visits to the hospital to treat his burns. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“As a mum I just want to highlight the dangers of this old home remedy.

“It is not a proven form of decongesting, so the risks outweigh the benefits. I want to get it out there to stop it.”

Charlie said he was coping with all the hospital visits but said: “Don’t try this at home.”

Paediatric Burns Surgeon Dr ­Rachel D’Cruz said 30 children have been admitted to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick so far this year with burns injuries ­following accidents with steam ­inhalers, which was three times as many compared to the same time last year.

The most common injuries were burns to the groin or genital area, caused by children accidentally spilling the liquid on themselves.