Many parents have found that although their children have a fever and are hot all over, their hands and feet are indeed cold. Experts say that it is normal for children to have a fever but their hands and feet are cold. Therefore, it is not advisable to give children thick clothes. Instead, it is important to monitor their body temperature and use appropriate methods to cool them down. So, what's the reason for the baby's fever and cold hands and feet?
Baby has a fever and cold hands and feet. What's going on
The body temperature of the human body is controlled by the temperature center of the hypothalamus. If there is inflammation in the body, the temperature center will jump above the set point to improve immune function and suppress pathogenic bacteria. To reach a higher body temperature, the body needs muscle tremors to generate heat, while contracting surface blood vessels to reduce heat loss, so children's hands and feet feel cold when touched.
What should I do if my baby has a fever and cold hands and feet
1. Children with fever should not be "covered": Many parents also use the method of "covering sweat" when their children have a fever, thinking that as long as the baby realizes that they are sweating all over, the fever can be reduced. Li Dongfang, deputy chief physician of pediatrics at Sun Yat sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat sen University, pointed out that this practice is unacceptable. Babies with high fever often have poor limb circulation, and their hands and feet feel cold to the touch. Parents mistakenly believe that their children's cold hands and feet are due to insufficient clothing, and then cover them up more tightly. In addition, children's sweat glands are underdeveloped, and when they have a fever, they tend to cover their sweat more and more, which can easily cause "heat holding syndrome" and trigger high fever seizures.
2. Baby fever should be cooled down in stages: When a baby has a fever, it is important to monitor their body temperature and take appropriate measures according to the different stages of the fever. During the period of rising body temperature, babies with fever may feel cold. At this time, it is not advisable to use cold water to wipe the body. Instead, drink plenty of water and apply antipyretic patches or ice to the head. For babies with cold hands and feet, keep them warm and improve peripheral circulation; During the prolonged period of high fever, if the baby feels very hot, they can apply ice to their head or take a warm water bath, drink plenty of water to urinate, sweat, or take a warm water bath; If the body temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees, safe antipyretic drugs suitable for children can be taken orally; During the cooling period, babies sweat a lot, so it is important to replenish fluids and change into wet underwear in a timely manner.
