Patient's question:
My child had a fever, and my grandmother at home said to cover him with more blankets and let him sweat it out. Will this work? My grandmother said that when sweat comes out, heat is released. Is there any logic to this?Doctor's answer:
Many elderly people believe that when a child has a fever, they should be wrapped up to induce sweating, thinking that this will help the illness recover faster. In reality, a child's temperature regulation center is not fully developed. The method of "wrapping up to sweat" not only fails to raise the temperature but can also cause a sudden spike in body temperature, potentially leading to another episode of high fever seizures. The correct approach is to dress the child in fewer clothes, cover them less, and enhance heat dissipation. If the temperature is below 38°C, a damp towel can be used for a lukewarm bath, as the evaporation of water can carry away a significant amount of heat. An ice pack can be applied to the head to reduce fever and alleviate headache symptoms, protecting brain cells. If the fever persists, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.