What type of fever causes a child's hands and feet to be cold while having a fever?

Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. When a child has cold hands and feet along with fever, it may be due to viral influenza, exogenous fever, yang deficiency-related fever, Yangming internal heat accumulation, or pneumonia-related fever. It is recommended that patients receive treatment under medical guidance based on the specific diagnosis. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Viral Influenza Fever

Viral influenza is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by viruses. Common symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, cold hands and feet, and a hot head. Therefore, fever accompanied by cold extremities in children may result from viral influenza. Parents may administer medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, ribavirin tablets, or pediatric paracetamol, phenylephrine, and chlorpheniramine granules to children under a doctor’s guidance.

2. Exogenous Fever

Fever accompanied by cold hands and feet may be caused by exogenous wind-cold invasion, presenting symptoms such as nasal congestion, clear runny nose, body aches, stiff neck and head pain, and fever. Additionally, children with inherently weak constitution and yang deficiency who contract wind-cold also fall into the category of exogenous fever. Treatment may include taking Zheng Chaihu Yin Granules or Fenghan Ganmao Granules under medical supervision.

3. Yang Deficiency Fever

Fever with cold hands and feet may also stem from yang deficiency fever, characterized by low-grade fever, fatigue, marked sensitivity to cold, and possibly soreness in the lower back and knees or diarrhea. Medications such as Yougui Pills or Zhibai Dihuang Pills may be taken as directed by a physician.

4. Yangming Internal Heat Accumulation

If excessive stomach heat leads to internal heat accumulation, the child may develop fever. Because yang energy is trapped internally and cannot reach the limbs, the extremities may feel cold. Other symptoms include dry mouth and thirst, preference for cold drinks, constipation, and bad breath. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as Shiduqing Capsules or Jigubicao Capsules may be used.

5. Pneumonia-Related Fever

Pneumonia generally refers to inflammation of the terminal airways, alveoli, and lung interstitium. Typical symptoms include fever, chills, cold extremities, and a hot head. Thus, fever with cold hands and feet in a child could indicate pneumonia. Parents may give the child acyclovir tablets, acetaminophen tablets, or pediatric resuqing granules under a doctor’s direction.

In addition, sepsis can also cause fever with cold hands and feet in children. If the fever persists, it is advisable to consult a doctor and receive treatment under professional medical guidance.