Instructions on how to apply heat to reduce fever for children

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor II Cao Thi Thanh - Pediatrician - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

There are two types of massage, hot and cold. If you do not choose the wrong type of compress, it will be very harmful to the baby's body. So when a child has a fever, should he apply hot or cold compress? And how to apply is correct.

1. When a child has a fever, should he apply a hot or cold compress?

Many parents, when their children are sick and have a fever, apply cold compresses to their children, but this is the wrong thing to do. To know when a child has a fever, should apply warm or cold compress, it is necessary to understand the nature and difference between hot and cold compresses.
Cold compress: Cold compress works to reduce blood circulation, tighten pores, thereby preventing heat loss from the body.
Hot compress: Has the effect of warming the body, increasing blood circulation. Usually used in cases of fever.
One of the reasons why a child has a fever is due to a sudden cold, the blood vessels constrict, causing blood flow to decrease. Hot compress will cause the pores on the body to expand, dilate peripheral blood vessels, increase heat dissipation, thereby reducing fever.
When the child has a fever, applying cold will only make the child more uncomfortable. Some mothers also put ice in a dry towel to apply to the child, this can cause frostbite, respiratory failure, very dangerous for the child.
=>> See more instructions from a pediatrician on How to reduce a child's common fever

2. Instructions on how to apply heat to children when they have a fever

Warm water can lower a child's fever quickly, reducing body temperature by 1-2 degrees Celsius. Here's how to apply warm compresses correctly, parents should remember to read carefully and follow.

2.1 Preparation

Thermometer with 5 small towels has good water absorption. Mix a basin of warm water, you can check the warmth of the water by dipping your elbow in the water and feeling as warm as when bathing a baby. Loosen children's clothes Put the child in a well-ventilated room, avoid drafts =>> Parents can consult more advice from a pediatrician: Should children with fever sleep in air-conditioner?

Vì sao nên chườm khăn ấm khi trẻ bị sốt? — Khi con sốt, bố mẹ cần lưu ý trong trường hợp nào thì nên chườm nóng hoặc chườm lạnh

2.2 Proceedings

Mother needs to clean hands. Use a towel dipped in water, wring out the water and wipe the baby's whole body. Wipe mainly in the armpits, groin, back, palms, palms. If possible, place a towel over your child's armpits, groin, and forehead. When the towel is less warm, dip the towel again in the basin of water and repeat the above action until the baby feels cooler. Note:
Absolutely do not apply cold when the child has a fever If the water is cold, you must add hot water or replace it with another warm water basin, check the temperature and then wipe the child's body again. After 15 - 30 minutes, measure the child's temperature again, stop applying when the child's temperature is < 37.5 degrees Celsius. When applying, pay attention to gently wipe, avoid rubbing, causing pain and redness. If the child still does not have a fever, fever-reducing medications can be given. Take medicine as directed by your doctor. Give your child plenty of fluids to drink because a high fever is often dehydrating. Warm compress is a quick and safe way to reduce fever for your baby, but it needs to be done properly. After applying the compress, but the baby's body temperature is still high, it is best to take the baby to the doctor for advice and treatment.
Pediatrics department at Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for receiving and examining diseases that infants and young children are susceptible to: viral fever, bacterial fever, otitis media, pneumonia in children, ... With modern equipment, sterile space, minimizing the impact as well as the risk of disease spread. Along with that is the dedication from the doctors with professional experience with pediatric patients, making the examination no longer a concern of the parents.
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This article is written for readers from Sài Gòn, Hà Nội, Hồ Chí Minh, Phú Quốc, Nha Trang, Hạ Long, Hải Phòng, Đà Nẵng.