Can warm water compress on forehead reduce fever?

Fever can cause great damage to people's brains, so you should try to apply warm water to your forehead, which can achieve a very good fever-reducing effect and avoid a more serious condition. You can also wipe it with warm water, which is also very effective. However, try not to wipe it with alcohol to avoid secondary damage to your brain.

●Warm water sponge bath

Suitable for babies with high fever. The water temperature should be slightly lower than the baby's skin temperature (i.e. 32℃-34℃). When the skin is exposed to cold stimulation, the capillaries can contract and then expand, achieving a cooling effect. Massage techniques can also be used during sponge baths to stimulate passive dilation of blood vessels and promote the dissipation of heat. Be careful to apply even force when sponging, and gently massage a few times, which can also promote blood vessel dilation. Rub it to the armpits, groin and other areas with rich blood vessels and stay there for a little longer to help dissipate heat. Bathe the limbs and back for 3-5 minutes each. After a warm water bath, wrap the baby with a large towel, let the baby lie comfortably, and give the baby more warm water.

●Alcohol bath

When using alcohol bath, pay attention to the concentration of alcohol, generally 30%-50% concentration is appropriate. The alcohol should not be too cold, the temperature should be between 32℃ and 35℃. Dip a gauze or towel in alcohol and wipe regularly. Usually start from the child's neck, and rub from top to bottom along the outside of the upper arm to the back of the hand. Then rub along the inner side of the upper arm through the armpit to the palm. After wiping the upper limbs, wipe the back from the neck downwards. While wiping, use the other hand to gently massage and pat the back to promote blood circulation. Finally, start wiping the lower limbs from the iliac area, using the same method as wiping the upper limbs. Wipe each area for about 3 minutes. When wiping the armpits, elbows, palms, groin, soles of feet and other parts, the staying time should be slightly longer to improve the heat dissipation effect.

The baby's skin is delicate, so be gentle when bathing and do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the skin. During the alcohol bath, you should pay attention to keeping the baby warm, avoid exposing too many parts of the body, and cover the wiped areas with clothes and quilts in time. If you find your baby showing abnormal symptoms such as chills or pale face during a sponge bath, you should stop the bath, cover your baby with clothes and quilts to keep warm, and seek medical attention in time. Alcohol baths should not be used on infants and children with weak constitutions.

Note: 1. It is best to place an ice bag on the child's head before sponge bathing. This will not only help to reduce the temperature, but also prevent congestion caused by blood concentration in the head due to the contraction of epidermal blood vessels during sponge bathing.

2. The chest, abdomen and back of the neck are very sensitive to stimulation, which may cause adverse reactions such as reflex slowing of heart rate and diarrhea. Warm water or alcohol baths are not suitable.

3. Children with rashes should not use warm water baths to cool down.

Cold saline enema

Cold salt water soup has a significant cooling effect, but it is not suitable for home use.

Cold compress

If a high fever is unbearable, cold compresses can be used to help lower the body temperature. Place a cold wet towel on your forehead, wrists, and calves, and cover other parts of your body with clothing. When the cold compress reaches body temperature, it should be changed and repeated until the fever subsides. You can also wrap ice cubes in a cloth bag and place it on your forehead.