Senior health officials and surgeons have issued a stark warning against the popular home remedy of inhaling steam to treat coughs and colds, citing a worrying rise in severe and life-changing burns.
A Dangerous Trend Leading to Hospital Admissions
Consultants at a major specialist burns unit have raised the alarm after treating an influx of patients, both adults and children, who suffered serious scalds from spilling bowls of boiling water used for steam inhalation. Jeremy Yarrow, a consultant surgeon at the NHS Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery in Morriston Hospital, Swansea, stated that his team sees 'too many' such injuries every year.
Many of these incidents require hospital admission, with some patients needing complex surgery and skin grafts. Mr Yarrow emphasised that these injuries 'have the potential to be truly life-changing and can cause lifelong disfigurement and scarring.' He highlighted that children are at particularly high risk due to their thinner skin and lack of awareness.
Questionable Benefits and Safer Alternatives
The medical advice challenges a long-held belief in the effectiveness of steam for respiratory ailments. Mr Yarrow pointed out that evidence for its benefit is weak, and theories that it loosens mucus or fights viruses are unproven. A Cochrane medical review supports this, finding no clear benefits for the practice.
Instead, the public is urged to use over-the-counter remedies or those prescribed by a doctor. Professor Dr Aidan Fowler, national director of patient safety at NHS England, suggested a safer method for congestion: 'You could also try sitting in the bathroom with a hot shower running to breathe in steam.' He advised anyone in discomfort to speak with their local pharmacist.
Essential First Aid and Additional Warnings
For those who do suffer a burn, prompt action is critical. Surgeons recommend remembering the '3Cs':
- Cool the burn with running cold tap water for 20 minutes and remove clothing and jewellery unless stuck.
- Call for help – 999, 111, or a GP.
- Cover the burn loosely with cling film or a sterile, non-fluffy dressing.
Experts also reiterated warnings about hot water bottles, which cause similar scald injuries yearly. Janine Evans, an advanced practitioner occupational therapist at the Morriston centre, advised always checking the manufacturing date and replacing bottles over two years old. She stressed never to use freshly boiled water, allowing it to cool for at least five minutes first.
This warning comes as the NHS faces immense pressure from seasonal illnesses. Latest NHS England figures show an average of 1,717 beds were occupied daily by flu patients last week, a significant increase from 1,098 in 2024 and 160 in 2023.
