Doctors warn of dangers associated with viral ‘Salt and Ice challenge' (Warning: graphic content)

PITTSBURGH — A local 12-year-old boy was hospitalized with second-degree burns recently after trying to complete the Internet craze “Salt and Ice challenge.”

The challenge, which has gone viral on YouTube and has been viewed millions of times, is described by doctors as extremely dangerous.

The dare consists of placing ice on top of salt on someone’s back. The combination causes a chemical reaction that begins burning the person’s skin almost immediately.

The local victim, whose name has not been released, was taken to West Penn Hospital Burn Center and will need several months to recover, officials said.

The victim’s family released the following statement Friday, “We want teenagers and the general public to know that the 'salt and ice challenge' is extremely dangerous. Videos on You Tube, Facebook and other social media do not accurately show the terrible injuries that can result. We are grateful that our son is recovering and hope that sharing his story will stop other young people from attempting this stunt."

WPXI