Revival of ‘hot water challenge' sparks warnings from parents

Parents across the U.S. are sounding the alarm after a prank among teenagers in Indiana left a 15-year-old with second-degree burns.

The "hot water challenge" consists pouring boiling water on an unsuspecting friend or drinking boiling water through a straw, and uploading the prank on the internet.

The "challenge" reportedly began around 2013, according to Mashable, but parents and victims are sounding the alarm again following the recent case in Indiana.

Kyland Clark, 15, said skin "fell off" his chest and face after he and his friend looked up the "hot water challenge" on YouTube, according to FOX 59.

"And then I looked down at my chest. My skin just fell off my chest, and then I looked in the mirror and I had skin falling off here and on my face," Kyland said on July 26.

Kyland is expected to heal from his injuries, according to Fox 59, but Doctors in Indiana say they have seen an increase of emergency room visits from victims of the so-called challenge.

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"It's suggesting to people that they can try it and they won't be hurt, but they will be, I can guarantee it," Dr. Ed Bartkus said.

In 2017, a 8-year-old girl in Florida died after drinking boiling water from a straw on a dare after watching a series of "boiling water challenge" videos on YouTube.

Also in 2017, a 11-year-old girl in New York City was burned on over 85 percent of her body when a friend pouring boiling water on her while at a neighborhood block party.

Alina Dow, who attended the 2017 block party, told WREG News Channel 3 at the time, that she hoped the 11-year-old girl's recovery would inspire others.

“Just to let the little girl know that she is supported and she has friends and this is not OK,” Dow said.

Click here for information on how to prevent hot water burns and scalds from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Cox Media Group