Viral Bubble-Blowing Trend Sparks Health Warnings From Israeli Doctors
A new viral soap-blowing social media trend in Israel is raising health alarms. Pediatricians and dermatologists warn that dishwashing chemicals can cause chemical burns and severe poisoning.
A new viral social media trend involving teenagers blowing soap bubbles from their mouths has reached Israel, raising serious health and safety concerns among medical professionals. Dermatologists and pediatricians warn that the practice, while seemingly playful, carries significant risks of chemical irritation and accidental poisoning.
Chemical Risks and Skin Damage
Dr. Eti Sagi, a dermatology expert at Meir Medical Center and Clalit Health Services in the Sharon-Shomron district, explains that the core danger lies in the composition of certain dishwashing liquids. Concentrated dishwashing concentrates and dishwasher pods contain alkaline agents and surfactants at concentrations vastly higher than standard hand soap.
The skin around the lips and mouth is particularly sensitive, and prolonged or repeated contact with such substances can cause irritation, dryness, cracking, and even superficial chemical burns to the oral mucosa, Dr. Sagi warns.
Although specific studies on this exact internet trend are currently lacking, data from poison control centers consistently show that exposure to aggressive dishwashing detergents causes oral irritation and burns. Medical experts urge parents and children to avoid the trend entirely and to use only products explicitly designed for direct contact with human skin.
Pediatric Dangers and Household Cleaners
Dr. Adi Weiss-Pink, a pediatric specialist at Clalit's Dan-Petah Tikva district, notes that while standard hand soap has relatively low toxicity, children attempting to replicate social media videos often rifle through household cabinets to find foaming agents.
Children are not always aware of what they are putting into their mouths, and cupboards often contain powerful chemicals that can cause severe internal damage, Dr. Weiss-Pink cautions. Accidental ingestion or exposure to corrosive cleaning agents can lead to painful lip blistering, mouth sores, throat redness, and potential injury to the esophagus.
Medical professionals recommend immediate action if ingestion occurs. Parents are advised to retain product packaging and immediately contact the national poison control center for professional guidance on whether emergency room visits or diagnostic procedures such as gastroscopy are necessary.
