Online diagnosis

A number of widely circulated social media posts have recorded some extreme cases, such as an individual being diagnosed with respiratory alkalosis for playing video games too excitedly, or suffering a knee injury after squatting.

Ling Chumian, an anesthetist at Wuhan Union Hospital of China, shared several examples of these so-called crispy skin youngsters on his personal social media account.

"An 18-year-old college student hit her big toe on the corner of a wall while rehearsing for a dance performance and was later diagnosed with bone fracture," he said. "A young man with extreme myopia suddenly found his vision blurry and dark while using his mobile phone in bed. He was diagnosed with retinal detachment."

While not exclusively symptomatic of being a "crispy skin youngster", these types of injuries are more associated with intensive or combative sports, the doctor said, but instead they came from a lack of exercise during high school years and oversight over safety when working out.

Seeking treatment

However, the alarming rise of health conditions being discovered in youngsters could also be attributed to the fact that more people have better and more convenient access to healthcare, and that young people are paying more attention to their health and seeking treatment.

"Over the past four decades, the rapid urbanization and economic and social development have brought about a lifestyle shift," said Hu.

He said that while the eating of fruit, vegetables and dairy products has increased significantly, Chinese people are consuming fewer whole grains and nuts or beans, and more fats and oil.

"The World Health Organization recommends 2.5 to 3 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week, but Chinese people do not work out sufficiently overall," he said. "At workplaces, people move around much less and spend long hours seated.

"Many young people have to cope with mental stress and sleep deficiency," he added.

Hu suggested young people adopt a healthy diet, exercise regularly and ensure sufficient sleep. It is also important to engage in group activities and go through regular and standard health examinations.

"Calling themselves 'crispy skin youngsters' also reflects a tendency among the youth to tease their weak body constitution," said an article published by researchers from the School of Chinese Language and Literature at Harbin Normal University.

"They are using humor as a means to make fun of and make light of pressure and grievances in their real lives," it said.

wangxiaoyu@chinadaily.com.cn