Why does a child develop chills and goosebumps when they have a fever, and what should be done?

Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. A child developing goosebumps during a fever may be caused by temperature regulation responses, poor peripheral circulation, infantile emergency rash, allergic rash, measles, or other reasons. Treatment options include general management and medication, under a doctor's guidance. If symptoms persist, timely medical consultation is recommended to avoid delayed treatment. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Thermoregulatory Response

When a child has a fever, pyrogens stimulate nerve reflexes, causing contraction of the arrector pili muscles and skeletal muscles, along with dilation of capillaries, to enhance heat dissipation and lower body temperature. Appropriate adjustments to clothing are necessary to prevent the child from becoming too hot or cold. Enhancing the child's physical condition and improving resistance are also important.

2. Poor Peripheral Circulation

During the rising phase of a fever, peripheral capillaries may constrict, leading to poor peripheral circulation. This can cause symptoms such as cold hands and feet, chills, and shivering, often accompanied by goosebumps. It is important to keep the child warm, especially the extremities, and avoid prolonged exposure to cold environments.

3. Infantile Emergency Rash

Infantile emergency rash is usually caused by viral infection. The virus stimulates an immune response, leading to fever and goosebumps in the child, possibly accompanied by irritability, mild diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Antipyretic and analgesic medications such as ibuprofen granules, acetaminophen oral suspension, and pediatric Qingjie granules may be used under medical guidance.

4. Allergic Rash

Allergic rash is primarily caused by exposure to allergens. Contact with allergenic substances can trigger systemic skin allergies in children, stimulating the body's thermoregulatory center and causing fever, along with symptoms such as skin itching and goosebumps. It is recommended to avoid contact with allergens, and medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, loratadine syrup, and chlorpheniramine maleate tablets may be used under medical guidance.

5. Measles

Measles is generally caused by infection with the measles virus. The virus replicates in the body and releases toxins, causing the aforementioned symptoms, possibly accompanied by coughing and measles mucosal spots. Medications such as azithromycin for oral suspension, ambroxol hydrochloride tablets, and heat-clearing and detoxifying granules may be used in accordance with medical advice.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrition for the child and to encourage regular physical activity to enhance immunity.