People have gone viral for various things on Instagram; however, recently, absurd trends have increased.
According to a statistical report by the NIH, 95 percent of teenagers use social media daily. TikTok and Instagram are the most popular apps.
The Fire Handshake is one such trend that has gone viral for the wrong reasons. 1
The viral Fire Handshake trend is ongoing on social media and grew especially popular during Diwali.
The trend involves imitating the look of an ablaze flame when two hands meet during a handshake or passing a flame from one hand to another.
The Fire Handshake trend gained attention during the Diwali season because it resembles sparklers and lights, which are also symbols of the festival.
People of various ages, mostly teenagers, participate in the firecracker handshake trend.
It starts by applying sanitizer or rubbing alcohol all over the hand, using a highly flammable substance.
The trend is built on the idea of lighting fire over the hand for fun, showcasing that the flame will not leave any residue or burns behind.
Many Instagram creators are trying the trend without considering its harmful effects and such videos are going viral on social media:
Initial symptoms include pain, redness, and warmth at the burn site.
Fluid-filled blisters may appear within a few hours of injury.
Deep or extensive burns require prompt medical evaluation.
Once the skin barrier is compromised, the risk of infection increases significantly. 2
A 2021 study from Iran reported a sharp rise in burn injuries linked to alcohol-based hand sanitizers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings highlight how easily these everyday products can become hazardous, even without any intention to ignite them.
During the early months of the pandemic, the study reported 76 burn injuries linked to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Sixteen patients were seriously hurt and required hospital treatment. 3
Dangerous challenges appear all over social media platforms. Many teenagers participate, some voluntarily, others under peer pressure.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teenagers’ brains develop continuously, and triggers such as likes and comments on social media stimulate their minds, making them want to participate in dangerous online trends. 4
Tide Pod Challenge – Teens filmed themselves biting laundry detergent pods, leading to poisoning and chemical burns.
Benadryl Challenge – Participants took excessive doses of allergy medication to trigger hallucinations, causing overdoses and hospitalizations.
Blackout (Choking) Challenge – Involved cutting off oxygen to the brain to feel a temporary “high,” resulting in several deaths.
Skull Breaker Challenge – Two people kicked the legs out from under a third person mid-jump, causing severe head and spine injuries.
Fire Challenge – Participants applied flammable liquids to their skin and set them alight, causing painful burns.
Cinnamon Challenge – Participants inhaled or swallowed spoonfuls of dry cinnamon powder, leading to choking and lung inflammation.
References:
Office of the Surgeon General (OSG). Social Media and Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023.
Nicholas J. Walker and Kevin C. King, “Acute and Chronic Thermal Burn Evaluation and Management,” StatPearls [Internet], updated May 29, 2023, accessed October 27, 2025, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430730/.
Dahmardehei, Mostafa, Majid Khadem Rezaiyan, Farhang Safarnejad, and Ali Ahmadabadi. "An Unprecedented Increase in Burn Injuries Due to Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers During the COVID-19 Outbreak." Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran 35 (2021): 107. https://doi.org/10.47176/mjiri.35.107.
American Academy of Pediatrics. HealthyChildren.org. Accessed October 25, 2025. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx.
MSM