The challenge consists of individuals pouring a small amount
of rubbing alcohol on their bodies and then lighting it on fire, all the while
filming the entire event to share on social media channels. Once this happens,
the idea is to then quickly extinguish the flames with water.
In late August, a 12-year-old girl from Detroit attempted
this challenge and landed herself in the intensive care unit. She lost control
of the fire and became engulfed in flames, leaving her with second and
third-degree burns covering almost half of her body. She will need multiple
surgeries to recover! This is why the Texas
Poison Control Network is urging teens not to participate in this challenge.
This is a dangerous challenge that can cause lifelong
effects. Nothing is worth trying to get more followers on social media. Please
think safety first!
How to Treat a Thermal
Burn
Here are some things you can do at home that can help
alleviate pain, discomfort and healing for thermal burns!
·
If you are on fire in any way, put the fire out
with water, a fire extinguisher, or with a blanket/tarp. If your
clothes caught fire, remove them immediately.
·
Run affected area under cool water or immerse the
burned area in cool water.
·
Cover the area with a sterile, non-adhesive
bandage or clean cloth. It is best not to apply ointments due to the
possibility of infections.
·
To treat pain, take an over-the-counter
medication such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen. Make sure you follow the dosing chart on the
medication.
·
If you see signs of redness, swelling, oozing,
get a fever or the pain increases, seek immediate medical attention. Contact poison control for additional information
at 1-800-222-1222 or visit our website
at www.poisoncontrol.org.
