Burn Injuries From TikTok Challenges: A Brief Report.

Social media (e.g., TikTok) challenge is a relatively new phenomenon wherein a user creates and posts videos performing an often-dangerous task. The ease of access and availability of social media in recent times make teens and young adults susceptible to these viral Internet challenges and accidental injury. The severity, morbidity, and mortality of burn injuries from social media challenges have not readily been documented in the medical literature. In this brief report, we present three cases of accidental burns after attempting social media challenges involving boiling water or flame. The injuries ranged from superficial partial thickness burns to 24% total body surface area (TBSA) full thickness burns. Online challenges show the potential for severe injury and disability and underlie the importance of awareness and education of the public, further research into the usage of TikTok and other media platforms, and early referral to the American Burn Association recognized center.

Cryotherapy Induced Burns: A Case Series of Three Patients.

Whole-body cryotherapy involves the use of a specially designed liquid nitrogen cryochamber to expose the body to cold, dry air (below -100°C) for short periods of time and has been gaining popularity in the field of sports and exercise science as an aid in recovery following exercise or injury. While proponents of cryotherapy claim that it can reduce inflammation and expedite muscle recovery, there has yet to be published literature that supports these claims. While there is no evidence that cryotherapy provides any benefits, there is a risk for injury with the use of these devices owing to the extreme cold temperatures that are used. We present the three cases of patients who suffered frostbite injuries secondary to single cryotherapy sessions. The first case involved a 26-year-old male who suffered a full-thickness frostbite injury that eventually required excision and grafting, while cases 2 and 3 involve a 17-year-old male and a 28-year-old male who both suffered partial-thickness injuries.