Patient's question:
At half a year old, the baby has a fever in winter and is afraid of catching a cold at night if dressed too little, but also has trouble dissipating heat if dressed too much. What are some good suggestions?Doctor's answer:
Infants and young children have not yet fully developed their thermoregulatory centers. Encounters with respiratory infections, allergies, vaccination reactions, and other issues can cause a baby's body temperature to rise. However, it is important not to use medication indiscriminately.1. Alcohol sponge bath
Alcohol can dilate blood vessels, and its evaporation carries away a significant amount of heat. When a baby has a fever, an alcohol sponge bath can help lower their temperature. Prepare 100 milliliters of 35% alcohol and mix it with an equal amount of warm water to maintain a temperature between 27 and 37 degrees Celsius. It should not be too cold, as this may cause muscle contraction, leading to a rebound in body temperature. During the alcohol sponge bath, use a small towel to wipe the baby's body starting from the neck and moving downward in a patting motion. Focus on areas with major superficial arteries and rich blood vessels, such as the armpits and groin, to wipe until the skin becomes slightly red. This promotes cooling.