Healthcare professionals say relying solely on unproven remedies to treat symptoms of illness in infants and children can lead to serious complications, as they warned there is no scientific evidence to support an online claim that onions can be used to alleviate fevers and coughs. They said paediatricians or physicians should be consulted instead.

"One solution for children with fever and illness: Place slices of onion on the soles of their feet and cover with socks," reads part of a Malay-language Facebook post on October 21, 2025.

Similar posts claiming the remedy can be used to treat congestion and coughing were also shared elsewhere on Facebook and TikTok.

But, similar to other folk remedies that circulated on social media and were debunked by AFP, experts say there is no scientific evidence to support this treatment.

Dr Faisal Mohd Fadzli, a consultant paediatrician at Malaysia's KPJ Tawakkal KL Specialist Hospital, told AFP via WhatsApp messages on October 14, "There were no studies done particularly on the effect on cough, cold or fever via transdermal application of onions" (archived link).

"Further studies on advanced drug delivery systems confirm that effective transdermal absorption is a complex process not achieved by simple skin contact."

He went on to say there are "other, more suitable, safer and better options" to treat the conditions.

"Please consult your doctor first before trying any traditional or home remedies."

Dr Thurein Hlaing Win, country manager of the Myanmar healthcare website Hello Sayarwon, also said the folk remedy is not supported by paediatric or general medical guidelines (archived link).

"There is no known mechanism for the onion's compounds to produce systemic therapeutic effects through the soles of the feet," he told AFP in an email on October 22.

He added that relying solely on this unproven remedy for infants risks serious complications from an untreated fever or underlying respiratory illness.

Advice from the Mayo Clinic says parents should contact their healthcare provider if their baby younger than three months has a fever, or if an older baby runs a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius (archived link).

"Medical treatment is determined by the cause and involves evidence-based strategies, such as appropriate doses of fever-reducing medication (as directed by a doctor) and supportive care," added Dr Thurein.