Should you take a hot bath or a warm bath when you have a fever?
Nov 21, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
If the body temperature does not exceed 38.5°C, taking a bath may help reduce fever. However, avoid hot baths, as the heat from the water can transfer to the patient, further increasing body temperature and impairing heat dissipation, potentially damaging the skin barrier. A lukewarm bath is recommended, as it helps maintain blood vessel dilation, promotes systemic circulation, and aids in lowering body temperature.
Fever usually refers to an elevated body temperature. After developing a fever, taking a lukewarm bath is generally recommended, as it can help lower body temperature more effectively.
Fever typically means the patient's axillary (underarm) temperature is equal to or exceeds 37.3°C. If the temperature does not exceed 38.5°C, physical cooling methods such as bathing may be used to help reduce the fever. However, hot baths should be avoided. This is because if the bath water is too hot—especially hotter than the patient's body temperature—it may transfer heat to the patient, further increasing body temperature and impairing heat dissipation. Additionally, excessively high water temperature may damage the skin barrier. Therefore, taking a hot bath during a fever is generally not recommended.
After developing a fever, patients may opt for a lukewarm bath. A lukewarm bath helps maintain blood vessel dilation, promotes overall blood circulation, and aids in lowering body temperature. However, patients should take care to stay warm during the bath, ensuring the room temperature is not too low. After bathing, the body should be dried promptly to avoid catching a chill, which could worsen symptoms.
If a patient's temperature exceeds 38.5°C, it is advisable to take antipyretic medications under medical guidance. Commonly used medications include acetaminophen tablets and ibuprofen sustained-release capsules.
