For a fever of 39°C, should you apply a hot or cold compress to the forehead?
Aug 22, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
In general, when body temperature reaches 39°C, cold compresses to the forehead are recommended. A fever of 39°C is close to the range of high fever, and applying a cold compress to the forehead can usually help reduce body temperature. If the fever continues to rise or is accompanied by discomfort, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly and take antipyretic medications as directed by a physician, such as ibuprofen tablets or acetaminophen tablets.
Generally, when body temperature reaches 39°C, cold compresses applied to the forehead are recommended. A fever of 39°C is close to the range of high fever, and applying a cold compress to the forehead can usually help reduce body temperature. Detailed explanations are as follows:
Fever refers to an increase in body temperature caused by pyrogens or due to dysfunction of the body's temperature regulation center, leading to excessive heat production. When fever symptoms occur, it is generally recommended to promptly apply physical cooling methods, such as using a cold towel to敷 the forehead or applying fever-reducing patches. These measures facilitate heat dissipation and help gradually alleviate fever symptoms. Therefore, when body temperature reaches 39°C, timely cold compresses should be used for physical cooling.
If a patient’s fever is below 39°C, warm compresses may be chosen instead—using a warm towel to repeatedly wipe areas with major blood vessels, such as the forehead, neck, armpits, limbs, and groin, to accelerate blood circulation and promote sweating, thereby achieving a fever-reducing effect.
If body temperature continues to rise accompanied by discomfort, it is advisable to seek prompt medical attention at a hospital and follow medical instructions to take antipyretic medications, such as ibuprofen tablets or acetaminophen tablets.
