🔥⚠️ Parent & Carer Alert: The “Salt & Ice Challenge”
A dangerous online trend is resurfacing where children put salt on their skin and press ice on top.
👉 This causes serious cold burns (like frostbite).
👉 Injuries can need hospital treatment and even skin grafts.
👉 Young people may not realise the damage until it’s too late.
The “Salt & Ice Challenge” can leave scars for life. ❄️ It’s not worth it for likes. Protect your skin, protect your future. 💙
The “Salt and Ice Challenge” is an online trend where young people place salt on their skin and press ice on top for as long as possible.
This creates a chemical reaction, rapidly lowering the temperature and causing cryogenic (cold) burns, similar to frostbite.
Children and young people may underestimate the harm as the cold numbs the skin, masking pain until significant damage has occurred.
Risks
Second- or third-degree burns, potential need for skin grafts, lasting scarring, nerve damage, and impact on wellbeing.
Peer and online pressure amplify the likelihood of wider uptake.
Immediate First Aid Advice
- Cool the affected area under lukewarm running water for at least 10 minutes.
- Do not apply ice, creams, or fluffy dressings.
- Cover with clean cling film or smooth plastic.
- Seek medical attention for deep, blistered, or extensive burns.