A 12-year-old boy from the US city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania burned a cross into his back after taking part in the 'salt and ice challenge' making its way around video website YouTube, and other social networking websites.

The challenge is popular among young teenagers, and involves pressing a layer of salt into the skin with ice and withstanding the pain for as long as possible. The wound caused is similar to frostbite, with the skin appearing very light or white, before it eventually blisters.

Schools in the US have been warning parents about the increase in popularity of the stunt, and the unnamed boy's family released a statement warning other students about the dangers of the injury.

'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.'

It is expected that the wounds will take a few months to heal.

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