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Tweens feel the burn: “salt and ice challenge” burns

  • Lauren O. Roussel und Derek E. Bell EMAIL logo
Veröffentlicht/Copyright: 22. April 2015
International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health
Aus der Zeitschrift International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health Band 28 Heft 2

Abstract

Purpose: To review our institution’s experience with frostbite injury secondary to “salt and ice challenge” (SIC) participation.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of intentional freezing burns from 2012 to 2014. Demographics, depth and location of burn, total body surface area of burn, treatment, time to wound healing, length of stay, complications, and motives behind participation were analyzed.

Results: Five patients were seen in the emergency department for intentional freezing burns that resulted from SIC (all females; mean age: 12.3 years; range age: 10.0–13.2 years). Mean total body surface area was 0.408%. Salt and ice was in contact with skin for >10 min for two patients, >20 min for two patients, and an unknown duration for one patient. Complications included pain and burn scar dyschromia. Four patients cited peer pressure and desire to replicate SIC as seen on the Internet as their motivation in attempting the challenge.

Conclusion: SIC has become a popular, self-harming behavior among youths. Increased public education, and provider and parent awareness of SIC are essential to address this public health concern.

Keywords: adolescent; freezing burns; intentional burns; intentional frostbite; salt and ice challenge; salt and ice dare
Corresponding author: Derek E. Bell, MD, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box SURG, Rochester, NY 14642, USA, Phone: +1-585-275-2876, E-mail:

Acknowledgments

This case series has been presented at the Eastern Great Lakes Regional Burn Conference (October 2013) and American Burn Association Meeting (April 2014).

External funding: Not applicable.

Disclosure of potential conflicts: Not applicable.

References

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Received: 2015-1-12
Accepted: 2015-3-18
Published Online: 2015-4-22
Published in Print: 2016-5-1

©2016 by De Gruyter

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  17. Assessment of the validity of self-reported smoking status among schoolchildren in Sousse, Tunisia
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  19. Tweens feel the burn: “salt and ice challenge” burns
  20. Short Communications
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  22. Parenthood linked to new onset overweight or obesity among Chilean adolescents
https://doi.org/10.1515/ijamh-2015-0007
Schlagwörter für diesen Artikel
adolescent; freezing burns; intentional burns; intentional frostbite; salt and ice challenge; salt and ice dare

Artikel in diesem Heft

  1. Frontmatter
  2. Editorial
  3. Hepatitis C: is it still around?
  4. Review
  5. On the track to adulthood: the missions of the young human being, dodging the risks and gaining the tools
  6. Original Articles
  7. Cross-sectional data on alcohol and marijuana use and sexual behavior among male and female secondary school students in New Providence, The Bahamas
  8. Endothelial dysfunction and negative emotions in adolescent girls
  9. Prevalence of HIV testing and counseling and associated factors among secondary school students in Botswana
  10. Characteristics of health-promoting schools from Iranian adolescents’ point of view
  11. Determinants of sexual activities and contraceptive usage among adolescents in high schools in Ogbomoso, a semi-urban settlement in Nigeria
  12. Adolescents and web porn: a new era of sexuality
  13. Is there a correlation between body proportion and choice of profession?
  14. Prevalence and correlates of the perpetration of cyberbullying among in-school adolescents in Oyo State, Nigeria
  15. Development of a sickle cell disease readiness for transition assessment
  16. Sexual behavioral pattern, consequences and adopted solutions among senior secondary schools students in a military barracks in Nigeria
  17. Assessment of the validity of self-reported smoking status among schoolchildren in Sousse, Tunisia
  18. Case Report
  19. Tweens feel the burn: “salt and ice challenge” burns
  20. Short Communications
  21. Risky health-related behaviours among school-aged adolescents: a rational ‘consumer’ choice?
  22. Parenthood linked to new onset overweight or obesity among Chilean adolescents
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