Doctors disapproved of the TikTok trend that treats strep throat infections with raw potato juice. The health experts said it could be dangerous.
Raw Potato Juice for Strep Throat in TikTok
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep). The group A bacteria are contagious and spread through respiratory droplets and direct contact.
Strep throat caused public health scares in the United Kingdom and the United States this winter following a deadly resurgence. The virus can be fatal for children and adults if left untreated.
Several videos on TikTok promote using raw potato juice to fight the virus.
Blogger and author Allie Casazza claimed to her 12,200 followers, said she tried the TikTok trend on her 14-year-old daughter, who had a "super bad Strep," and it was gone within two hours. She claimed that the potato juice kills the strep right away.
Another video echoed the same sentiment and suggested using potatoes for strep throat infections. The TikToker even suggested which varieties of potatoes work best. He said when in the U.K., one should use the Maris Piper and King Edward. For those in the U.S., he suggested the Burbank russet and the Kennebeck russet. He added that those variants were reportedly the most effective based on a study.
Doctors Warn Against Drinking Raw Potato Juice for Strep Throat
However, medical experts disapproved of the claims on the TikTok trend. According to the nurses, doctors, and pediatricians, the strep throat of Casazza's daughter might have gone away on its own.
Dr. Iddy Mughal, known as Dr. Idz on TikTok, also said the claim was "one of the most dangerous videos" he had ever received and watched.
He discouraged parents from treating their children with severe throat symptoms with potato juice because easing the symptom does not guarantee the bacterial infection is solved. He urged parents to get proper treatment.
@dr_idz Natural cure for STREP THROAT!! #weightloss #fatloss #nutrition #fitness ♬ Spooky, quiet, scary atmosphere piano songs - Skittlegirl Sound
Dr. Zachary Rubin, a pediatrician practicing in Chicago, echoed the same sentiment as Dr. Idz. He added that there is no substantial evidence that potatoes can treat strep throat. He reiterated that strep throats need antibiotics to be treated.
Registered nurse Allie also suggested getting the right and proper treatment immediately and avoiding the false claim on TikTok because the delay due to drinking potato juice can cause lifelong damage.
The bacteria can, in rare cases, cause a deadly illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease (iGAS).
According to CDC, it observed an increase in iGAS infections in children in the U.S.
The agency noted that invasive disease means the germs have invaded parts of the body that are normally free from germs. When it happens, it is usually very severe and may require hospitalization. In some cases, it can lead to death.
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