Should a Cold or Warm Towel Be Used for a Child with a Fever of 38 Degrees?

Fever generally refers to an elevated body temperature. When a child has a fever of 38°C, it is considered low-grade fever, which usually does not cause significant physical discomfort. In this case, using a cold towel to wipe the body can help alleviate the symptoms. However, when a child's fever reaches 38°C with a rising body temperature, it typically indicates moderate to high fever, which can stimulate the body. In such cases, a warm towel is recommended for wiping, as it can effectively alleviate fever symptoms.

If a child's fever remains at 38°C consistently, applying a cold towel to the forehead, limbs, and other areas can help transfer heat from the forehead to the towel through temperature conduction, thereby enhancing the cooling effect. However, if the child's fever slightly increases after reaching 38°C, it is advisable to use a warm towel to wipe the limbs or apply a warm compress to the forehead. This can promote vasodilation, encourage sweating, and assist in reducing fever, achieving better results.

If the body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, simply using a warm or cold towel may not be effective in reducing fever and may even delay treatment. In such cases, it is recommended that the patient seek medical attention promptly to achieve fever reduction as soon as possible.