This article is professionally consulted by Specialist level II, MD Cao Thị Thanh – Pediatrician – Pediatrics Neonatology Department – Vinmec Hải Phòng International Hospital.
There are 2 types of compresses, including warm compress and cold compress. Choosing the incorrect way can be harmful to the child’s body. So, should the parents apply a warm or cold compress when the baby has a fever? And how should it be done correctly?
1. Should the parents use warm or cool compresses when the baby has a fever?
Many parents tend to use a cold compress when their child has a fever, but this is a mistake. To understand whether you should use a warm or cold compress, it’s important to understand the characteristics and differences between these two types of compresses.
Cold Compress: The cold compress works by reducing blood circulation and tightening the pores, preventing the body from losing heat.
Warm Compress: The warm compress helps to warm the body, improve blood circulation, and is commonly used to lower fever.
One of the causes of fever in children is a sudden drop in temperature, which causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow. Warm compress can open the pores, and dilate the peripheral blood vessels, increasing the heat dissipation capacity and lowering the fever.
Cold compress when a child has a fever may only make the child feel more uncomfortable. Some parents even use ice wrapped in a cloth to apply to the child’s body, which can cause frostbite or respiratory distress, which is very dangerous for children.
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The following content is prepared under supervision of Thạc sĩ, Bác sĩ y khoa, Ma Văn Thấm , Nhi , Phòng khám Đa khoa Vinmec Dương Đông(Phú Quốc)
2. How to apply a warm compress to reduce fever in children
Warm water can help quickly lower a child’s fever, reducing the body temperature by 1-2°C. Here is how to apply a warm compress correctly. Parents should read carefully and follow these instructions.
2.1 Preparation
- A thermometer
- 5 small towels that are good at absorbing water
- A basin of warm water. To check the temperature, dip your elbow into the water. It should feel warm, like the water temperature when bathing a baby.
- Loosen the child’s clothing
- Place the child in a well-ventilated room, avoiding drafts
🡺 Parents can get more advice from pediatricians: Should children stay in an air-conditioned room when they have a fever?
2.2 Steps
- Clean your hands thoroughly.
- Dip the towel into the basin of warm water, wring it out, and wipe the child’s body. Focus on areas such as the armpits, groin, back, palms, and soles. You can also place the towel on the child’s armpits, groin, and forehead.
- Once the towel cools down, dip it back into the water and repeat the action until you feel the child cooling down.
Notes:
- Absolutely do not use a cold compress when the child has a fever.
- If the water cools down, add more hot water or replace it with another basin of warm water. Check the temperature and continue wiping the child’s body.
- After 15-30 minutes, measure the child’s body temperature again. Stop applying the compress if the child’s temperature is less than 37.5°C.
- When applying the compress, be gentle. Avoid rubbing hard as it could cause discomfort or redness on the child’s skin.
- If the fever persists, consider giving the child fever-reducing medication as prescribed by a doctor.
- Make sure the child drinks plenty of water, as a high fever can lead to dehydration.
A warm compress is a safe and effective way to lower a child’s fever, but it needs to be done correctly. If the child’s body temperature remains high after applying the compress, it’s best to take the child to see a doctor for further consultation and treatment.
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