Fever is a symptom of illness. It is also a very common phenomenon. When there is inflammation or infection in the body, it will manifest. Moreover, fever is often accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and some unexplained persistent low-grade fever. The methods for reducing fever generally include medication cooling and physical cooling. The latter has fewer side effects, such as cold compress. So where should I apply cold compress for fever?
Which part of the body should I apply cold compress for fever
1. Forehead
Cold compress on the forehead to reduce fever is the most common method and has a good effect. Soak a towel in warm water first, then wring it out and apply it to your forehead. Once the towel cools down slowly, it will have a fever reducing effect. Never soak towels in cold water, otherwise the baby will not be able to withstand the sudden stimulation of cold water.
2. Axillary elbow
The axilla is a region with dense blood vessels. Loosen the baby's clothes slightly, lift the arm, expose the skin under the armpit, and be careful not to wet the clothes. Dip the towel in warm water again, wring it out, and then gently apply it to the armpits (for sensitive skin under the armpits, it is best to apply gently instead of rubbing back and forth forcefully). After a moment, remove the towel.
3. Palm of the hand
The most densely distributed area of nerves on the human body is the skin, especially the skin on the hands. When you have a fever, your palms can be very hot. Be careful not to cover your palms and pay attention to heat dissipation.
Methods for reducing fever after fever
1. Maintain air circulation in the home: If there is air conditioning in the home, keep the room temperature between 25-27 ℃. Children can be placed in air-conditioned rooms or blown around with electric fans to gradually lower their body temperature, which will also make them feel more comfortable. But if their limbs are cold and shivering violently, it means they need warmth, so they need to be covered with a blanket.
2. Remove too much clothing: If the baby's limbs and hands are warm and sweaty, it indicates the need for heat dissipation and can wear less clothing.
3. Warm water bath: Unfasten the baby's clothes and rub the whole body with a warm water (37 ℃) towel. This can dilate the blood vessels of the baby's skin and release body gas. In addition, when water vapor evaporates from the body surface, it can also absorb heat.
4. Sleeping on ice pillows: helps with heat dissipation, but is not recommended for younger children as they are not easily able to move their bodies, and ice pillows can cause local supercooling or hypothermia. You can also use antipyretic patches. When the moisture in the adhesive material of the antipyretic patch evaporates, it can take away the heat without excessive cooling.
5. Drink plenty of water: to aid sweating and prevent dehydration. Water has the function of regulating temperature, which can lower body temperature and replenish the lost water in the baby's body.
6. Use antipyretic drugs: When the central temperature (anal or ear temperature) of infants and young children exceeds 38.5 ℃, antipyretic drugs or suppositories can be used moderately. If you have a fever, it's best to seek medical attention. But sometimes the fever can be reduced at home due to inconvenience. Generally, if the body temperature is below 38, there is no need to reduce the fever.
Where should I apply cold compress for fever? Cold compress is an important method of physical cooling. Generally, towels, ice cubes, or potato slices can be used for cold compress. Cold compress can be applied to areas such as the forehead, soles of the feet, abdomen, and armpits. During a fever, it is important to avoid fatigue, pay attention to rest, and drink plenty of warm water to help detoxify. Cold compress is mainly used for sudden high fever. If the fever persists, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
