What should I do if my baby has a fever but does not sweat?

Jan 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

A baby's fever without sweating may be related to factors such as insufficient water intake, high environmental temperature, congenital sweat gland dysplasia, upper respiratory tract infection, and Kawasaki disease. It is recommended to increase water intake, regulate room temperature, and, if necessary, follow medical advice for pharmacological treatment. For congenital sweat gland dysplasia, surgical treatment may be considered. If symptoms persist, prompt medical attention is necessary to avoid delaying the condition.

Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. A baby having a fever without sweating may be related to factors such as insufficient water intake, excessively high environmental temperature, congenital sweat gland dysplasia, upper respiratory tract infection, Kawasaki disease, and others. Timely measures such as daily care, medication, or surgical treatment may be needed to alleviate the condition. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Insufficient water intake

If a baby doesn't drink enough water while having a fever but loses excessive fluids, he or she may experience an inability to sweat. It is recommended to appropriately increase the baby's water intake to meet the body's normal needs.

2. High environmental temperature

If a baby remains in a high-temperature environment without timely improvement, the capillaries on the skin surface may dilate, increasing heat dissipation and reducing sweat secretion. Therefore, it is important to promptly improve the baby's living environment. It is recommended to adjust the indoor temperature to between 25-26°C.

3. Congenital sweat gland dysplasia

Congenital sweat gland dysplasia is usually associated with genetic factors or poor intrauterine development. When sweat glands are unable to function normally, the baby may be unable to sweat. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as dry and itchy skin. Surgical treatments, such as sweat gland excision or repair, skin grafting, or flap reconstruction, may be performed under a doctor's guidance.

4. Upper respiratory tract infection

An upper respiratory tract infection is primarily caused by viral or bacterial infections. When the condition worsens, it may cause persistent fever in babies along with an absence of sweating. This reaction occurs when pathogens invade the body and stimulate the immune response, and may be accompanied by symptoms like coughing and phlegm production. It is important to follow medical advice and promptly administer medications such as ribavirin granules, cefixime granules, or paracetamol oral solution to alleviate symptoms.

5. Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease is caused by viral infection. As the condition worsens, it may affect sweat gland secretion, leading to an inability to sweat and persistent fever in babies. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as conjunctival congestion and oral mucosal congestion. Prompt treatment with medications such as aspirin powder, intravenous human immunoglobulin (pH4), and prednisolone acetate injection should be administered under a doctor's guidance.

A baby having a fever without sweating is not necessarily a sign of illness, so there is no need for excessive worry. However, if symptoms persist for a prolonged period, timely treatment based on the underlying cause is necessary to avoid delaying diagnosis and management.

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