What are the taboo parts for alcohol cooling?

In recent times, due to the sudden changes in temperature, many people have contracted the flu. Since the Spring Festival is approaching, it is quite uncomfortable to be sick at this time, and certain treatment measures should be taken. It is easy to have a fever after catching a cold. If it is not very serious, it is a good idea to use alcohol to reduce the temperature. So, what are the taboo parts of alcohol cooling?

Precautions for using alcohol to wipe fever

1. Alcohol concentration

The ethanol concentration of medical alcohol is 75%. When you use it to wipe the body to cool down a high fever, it needs to be diluted to 25%-50%, which is roughly equal to one part of medical alcohol plus the same amount of water. Too high an alcohol concentration will not only irritate the skin, but also absorb a large amount of moisture from the epidermis.

2. Water temperature

When adding water, the water temperature should be slightly higher than body temperature. The principle is to test the water with the inside of your wrist and make sure it is not hot. Generally choose 32-34℃. The alcohol mixed in this way has a temperature close to body temperature, and will not cause discomfort due to being too cold, and it also avoids the alcohol evaporating too quickly due to the water temperature being too high.

3. Use gauze

When wiping, it is best to use a small piece of cotton gauze or handkerchief, which has good water absorption and moderate friction. Dip it in alcohol, wring it until half dry, and then wipe the body. If you don't have gauze, you can also use a small towel. To avoid waste, it is best not to soak it. Just wet one corner of the towel.

4. Wipe the area

When using alcohol to cool down physically, it is advisable to wipe the areas with rich blood vessels from top to bottom. Instead, avoid the chest area, abdomen, back of the neck, etc. These areas are more sensitive to cold stimulation, which may cause adverse reactions such as reflex slowing of heart rate and diarrhea.

5. Wiping strength

It is best to rub the skin until it turns red. Be gentle when scrubbing and do not break the skin. Apply even force, wipe with one hand and gently massage with the other hand to promote blood vessel dilation. Rub it to the armpits, elbows, groins, thighs and other areas with rich blood vessels. You may want to stay there a little longer to improve the heat dissipation effect.

6. People who should and should not be treated

Wiping with alcohol is only suitable for patients with high fever without chills or sweating. When sweating is unimpeded, it indicates that the body temperature has begun to drop and this method is not suitable.

Babies under three months old should not be wiped with alcohol. It is not recommended to use alcohol to cool down babies under 2 years old. Because the skin of young babies is particularly fragile, alcohol wipes can easily irritate the skin and may also be absorbed into the skin and cause alcohol poisoning. It is recommended that children take a warm water bath.

In addition, the elderly, infirm, and patients with rheumatism should not use alcohol to reduce fever.