Doctor’s Advice to Put Wet Cloth Strips on the Forehead During a Fever? Here’s Why!

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.

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