Surgeon warns over cold cure that can injure thighs, abdomen and genitals

Surgeon warns over cold cure that can injure thighs, abdomen and genitals View Image

A surgeon has issued a warning over burns caused by people using steam inhalation as a remedy for coughs and colds. Jeremy Yarrow, a consultant surgeon at the NHS Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, said he and his colleagues see too many children and adults every winter with burns caused by water boiled to create steam for coughs and colds.

He said the practice is dangerous because bowls of hot water can spill suddenly, causing serious injuries to areas including the face, chest, stomach and legs. The resulting injuries sometimes require long-term treatment or surgery, with children being particularly vulnerable.

“Every year, we at the Welsh Burns Centre unf