Doctor’s Advice to Put Wet Cloth Strips on the Forehead During a Fever? Here’s Why!
Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
08 June, 2024
Introduction
Having a fever is the body’s way of warding off infection.
The immune system decides to mount an immune response by secreting histamines and prostaglandins – all of which can cause a spike in body temperature.
This increase can kill the cause of infection as microorganisms are very sensitive to temperature changes.
There are various ways you can try to get the fever down. Most common ways include OTC medications, but if none are available or if it is a baby that is feeling feverish, then medications cannot be used.
Other methods hence become necessary.
How To Use Wet Cloth Strips to Manage High Fever Symptoms
Now that we know how fevers are caused, let us try to understand how wet cloth strips or cold compresses work. They do so by transferring the heat away and also causing perspiration – both of which help regulate temperature.
The method of using wet strips of cloth is called tepid sponging, and you should ideally dip an absorbent piece of cloth in room temperature water, and apply it to target areas like the groin, armpits, neck, and forehead. The cloth should be changed every 5 minutes. Also, dress the person affected in light and breathable cotton clothes.
Why Wet Cloth Strips Help in High Fever
This is easy.
Take a damp piece of cloth and apply it in the high heat areas like the armpits, groin, neck, and forehead.
Along with the obvious cooling down of the affected area, the blood circulating in the region is also getting cooler in the process.
This is a non-invasive way to manage fevers until a better alternative is available.
This method is very useful in adults and in children, but if very young children or babies have high fever accompanied with other symptoms, it is safer to err on the side of caution, and rush to a doctor.
Conclusion
Doctors normally advise us to use wet compresses or wet strips of cloth to cool the feverish individual down, until other more permanent measures like OTC medications become available.
The con with this method – the cooling effect observed is very fleeting.
You will need to reapply the damp cloth every 5 minutes or so.
The pro – it provides the afflicted individual with some relief, and refreshment, especially if they feel hot and sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is evaporation an effective method for cooling down a high fever?
Our body naturally relies on evaporation of sweat, and the associated cooling it brings to us. So when you apply a wet strip of cloth, you increase the rate of evaporation, and make the cooling that much more efficient. By applying multiple strips to various affected areas, you can provide greater relief. Follow up with plenty of fluids and wear comfortable airy clothes.
Are there any specific precautions to take while using wet cloth strips for fever relief?
Yes, some pointers you should keep in mind include- use tepid or room temperature water and NOT cold water. Reapply as often as needed, because the cloth can become very warm. Do NOT apply them everywhere, because then the affected person may feel chilly. Wash the wet compresses well, and dry them before you use them again the next day. If someone has high fever that persists, then get medical attention ASAP. This is especially true for the elderly or very young children.
What are the immediate benefits of applying a wet cloth on the forehead for someone with a high fever?
The cooling effect attributed to a damp cloth is instantaneous and provides a targeted method to concentrate on high-heat areas like the groin, armpits, neck, and forehead. In fact, the same approach may be used if anyone has an injury because fever itself is an inflammatory response.
