A troubling TikTok trend involving the ignition of hand sanitizer is resulting in serious injuries among teenagers in the Chicago area. Local emergency rooms report an alarming rise in burn cases linked to a viral stunt that involves setting hands on fire with flammable liquids. In one notable incident, a mother from the south suburbs recounted that her 13-year-old daughter suffered severe burns to her face and hands after a hand-sanitizer trick went wrong at home.
The girl had been using rubbing alcohol when flames unexpectedly spread from a nearby bottle, leading to a significant emergency. According to Fox 32 Chicago, the mother, who chose to remain anonymous, described how the flames “exploded” into her daughter’s face, resulting in approximately 45 to 50 percent of her face suffering from second-degree burns. The family rushed her to UChicago Medicine Ingalls in Calumet City for urgent treatment.
Understanding the Risks of Alcohol-Based Sanitizers
Emergency physicians emphasize the unpredictability of this trend. As Dr. Chris Colbert noted, the flames can quickly extend to the face and eyes, posing a significant risk of severe injuries or even fatal outcomes. Alcohol-based sanitizers are highly flammable, containing concentrated levels of ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, which can ignite easily. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises users to ensure their hands are completely dry after applying sanitizer and to keep these products away from heat and open flames. Additionally, the FDA warns that vapors from these sanitizers can cause dizziness and should never come near the eyes.
A Growing Trend of Dangerous Stunts
The incidents in Chicago are not isolated. A scoping review published in January 2024 on PubMed Central highlighted that fire challenges rank among the most common risky behaviors linked to social media and burn injuries. Similar cases have been reported across the United States, where children have attempted various so-called “experiments” that behave more like explosives than safe science projects. Reports from national outlets, including Newsweek, document incidents involving “whoosh bottle” and jam-jar tricks that resulted in severe burns, necessitating specialized medical care.
To combat this alarming trend, doctors and fire officials stress that parents play a crucial role in safeguarding their children. They recommend that parents closely monitor their children’s online activities and engage in frank discussions about the potential dangers of seemingly harmless, flashy videos. It is essential for families to store flammable liquids securely and to prohibit children from conducting any experiments involving open flames.
The FDA reinforces the message that hands must be entirely dry after using sanitizer before approaching any heat source. Parents are urged to seek immediate medical attention if their child suffers a burn injury. Local physicians assert that these incidents are entirely preventable and are calling on parents, schools, and community organizations to recognize fire-related viral stunts as serious hazards rather than harmless dares.
Officials caution that what may appear as an impressive video clip can lead to lifelong scars and significant injuries in reality. The message is clear: awareness and prevention are key to protecting young people from the dangers posed by these reckless online challenges.
