Can adults use fever-reducing patches?
Nov 20, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
The main component of fever-reducing patches is hydrophilic polymer gel, which has a high water content. When applied to the surface of the skin, the patch can absorb and dissipate some of the body's heat, thereby producing a physical cooling effect. However, fever-reducing patches are only suitable for patients with low-grade fever; for those with high fever, they can only serve as an auxiliary measure.
Adults can generally also use fever-reducing patches for physical cooling, as these patches provide a physically-based method of reducing fever.
Fever-reducing patches are primarily composed of hydrophilic polymer gels with a high water content. When applied to the skin's surface, the elevated body temperature causes increased evaporation of the water, which helps draw heat away from the skin, thereby achieving a physical cooling effect. Applied to the forehead, the patch can lower the local temperature of the brain, protect brain cells from damage, and alleviate headaches caused by colds or fever. Therefore, adults can indeed use fever-reducing patches; however, they are suitable only for patients with low-grade fever and serve merely as an auxiliary measure for those with high fever.
Hence, if a patient experiences persistent or recurrent high fever with a temperature exceeding 38.5°C, it is important to seek timely medical attention, follow medical advice, and use emergency antipyretic medications such as commonly prescribed ibuprofen granules or acetaminophen tablets. Additionally, appropriate diagnostic tests should be completed to identify the underlying cause and enable targeted treatment.
