Salt and Ice Challenge – Risks to Children and Young People

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. For more information on risks, first aid advice and recommended actions see the PDF below.

briefing note salt ice challenge 2025 barts health 002 docx.pdf