Question
I took my child’s temperature in the afternoon and it was slightly elevated at 37.7 degrees Celsius. After using physical cooling methods and sleeping, the temperature remained the same at night. I also used physical cooling methods (washing his hair and applying alcohol to his palms and soles to promote heat conduction). It seems that his forehead felt cooler when I checked it while he was sleeping…
Answer
Children’s basal body temperatures are higher than those of adults; 37.6 degrees Celsius is not considered a low fever. If the child does not have other symptoms of fever or inflammation, this is considered normal. The child’s temperature regulation center is not fully developed yet, so their body temperature can fluctuate more easily; unlike adults whose temperature regulation center is fully developed. Therefore, if the child’s temperature is below 37.7 degrees Celsius and there are no other symptoms of discomfort, there is no problem. This temperature variation is not caused by a pathological condition but rather by the incomplete development of the child’s temperature regulation center. Regarding the issue of fever reduction, it is acceptable for children at home to use physical cooling methods when they have a fever. Effective methods include ice bag cooling and alcohol wiping. Ice bag cooling involves placing an ice bag on areas with major blood vessels, such as the forehead, armpits, and groin, to cool down; if there are no ice bags at home, you can use a bottle of Coca-Cola filled with water and placed in the refrigerator to freeze, then wrapped in a towel for use on the child’s armpits, groin, and forehead to cool down. You have already used alcohol wiping; I remind you to use high-concentration alcohol for better results, using the dissolving and heat conduction effect of alcohol to cool down. Apply every half hour on the child’s limbs from top to bottom. I hope this helps.