Can a cold towel be used if a child's fever persists?

Jun 18, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Children at home are very prone to catching colds and developing fevers during winter. May I ask, if a child's fever persists, can a cool towel be used?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Regarding the use of cold towels for children with persistent fever: 1. Cold towels can indeed help lower body temperature to some extent through physical cooling. When a child has a fever, applying a cold towel to areas such as the forehead, armpits, and groin can promote heat dissipation and assist in reducing body temperature. However, it should be noted that the cooling effect of cold towels is relatively mild. For children with high fever, physical cooling should only serve as an auxiliary measure and cannot replace medical treatment. 2. When using cold towels for physical cooling, it is important to follow the correct method. Use a clean towel, soak it in cool water, wring it out, and then place it on the child’s forehead or other suitable areas. Additionally, the towel should be replaced regularly to maintain its coolness and ensure continuous effectiveness. 3. If a child continues to have a high fever that does not subside, parents should promptly seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.