Can soaking feet in hot water help reduce fever?
Feb 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
Soaking feet in hot water can help reduce fever to some extent, but its effectiveness may vary from person to person. If body temperature continues to rise, the effect of soaking feet in hot water may be limited, and it should not replace standard medical treatment. During fever, it is important to ensure adequate rest and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits. Additionally, drinking plenty of water and avoiding excessive fatigue are recommended to promote recovery.
In general, soaking feet in hot water can help reduce fever to some extent, although the effectiveness may vary from person to person. The detailed explanation is as follows:
For patients with mild increases in body temperature, soaking feet in hot water can help lower body temperature by promoting blood circulation, accelerating metabolism, and utilizing heat dissipation through water evaporation. Additionally, hot foot soaking can help relax muscles, relieve physical discomfort, and improve sleep quality, which is beneficial for recovery. The duration of foot soaking should not be too long, generally controlled within 10 minutes. Prolonged soaking may cause the water temperature to drop, thus affecting the effectiveness. The water temperature should be moderate, avoiding excessive heat that could cause burns or increased perspiration.
If the body temperature continues to rise, the effectiveness of hot foot soaking may be limited, and it should not replace standard medical treatment. During fever, adequate rest should be maintained, and the diet should include more fresh vegetables and fruits. Additionally, it is important to drink plenty of water and avoid excessive fatigue to promote recovery.
