Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy It Doesn’t WorkSafety ConcernsRecommended TreatmentsWhen to Be Evaluated
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Why It Doesn’t Work
Safety Concerns
Recommended Treatments
When to Be Evaluated
Rubbing alcohol does not reduce fevers, and it can be dangerous.
Applying rubbing alcohol (isopropanol) to the skin with a washcloth or cotton ball is one of the folk remedies for treating a fever. You should not try it.
This article explains why rubbing alcohol does not reduce a fever and the dangers it could cause. It also explains how fever is often treated and when to see a healthcare provider.
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Rubbing alcohol evaporates rapidly after it’s applied to the skin. In fact, this is exactly the problem: As it evaporates, it cools the skintooquickly, which can cause chills and make you shiver. This response signals the body that you’re cold, causing it to turn up your “internal thermostat” even higher.
The bigger point is that cooling the skin doesn’t do anything to lower the body’s temperature. So while rubbing alcohol may provide an immediate cooling sensation, it’s a fleeting comfort, at best. If you or your child is uncomfortable because of a fever, doctors recommend a lukewarm bath—without alcohol—to provide short-term relief.
Rubbing alcohol is used in medical settings, such as clinics and hospitals, to disinfect medical tools like stethoscopes, scissors, and thermometers.Alcohol towelettes are also used to wipe down the skin before giving an injection. However, rubbing alcohol shouldn’t be applied to the skin to treat a fever.
Fever Defined
Alcohol is easily absorbed through the skin. It’s also absorbed through the lungs when it’s inhaled.In the worst cases, the absorption can cause alcohol poisoning and lead to a coma or other serious medical complications.
According to medical research, accidental isopropyl alcohol poisoning is common, and the majority of cases are in children under 6 years old.
The effects of poisoning include:
Fevers Rally a FightA fever is not an illness; it’s a symptom. It’s a sign that your body is fighting an illness or infection.
Fevers Rally a Fight
A fever is not an illness; it’s a symptom. It’s a sign that your body is fighting an illness or infection.
How to Safely Flush Your Ears with Rubbing Alcohol
Treating a Fever
Not all fevers need to be treated. Your body temperature goes up because the immune system is trying to kill the germs that are making you sick.
Rest is especially important if their fever registers 102 degrees or above.Keeping your home at a cooler temperature or running a fan may help, too.
Adults can follow the same recommendations.
Infections Trigger FeverRespiratory or gastrointestinal infections are responsible for triggering most fevers in otherwise healthy adults.
Infections Trigger Fever
Respiratory or gastrointestinal infections are responsible for triggering most fevers in otherwise healthy adults.
When a Fever Should Be Evaluated
Most of the time, fevers aren’t a cause for concern. Some people worry aboutbrain damage from a fever—this is a risk when a temperature is higher than 105.8 degrees, which is rare. A fever generally warrants medical attention when it reaches:
It’s also a good idea to get medical attention if a fever lasts more than 24 hours in a child under 2 years old or more than 72 hours in an older child or adult.
Longevity Provides a ClueWhile infections are the most common cause of fever, when a fever lasts 4 days or more, medical providers may look for noninfectious causes like inflammatory diseases or cancer.
Longevity Provides a Clue
While infections are the most common cause of fever, when a fever lasts 4 days or more, medical providers may look for noninfectious causes like inflammatory diseases or cancer.
Watch for Other Symptoms
Keep in mind that fevers can be as fleeting as they can be misleading. So pay attention not only to the number on the thermometer but to how you or your child are feeling.
In children, be alert for:
Except for wet diapers, older children and adults can have the same symptoms. A call to your healthcare provider is a good idea.
The following symptoms require immediate medical care:
Understanding Fever in Children
Summary
While it’s true that alcohol can instantly cool the skin, it actually works too quickly. This response signals the body that you’re cold, causing it to turn up your “internal thermostat” even higher.
To make matters worse, alcohol is easily absorbed, both through the skin and through the lungs when it’s inhaled. And the result can be toxic, potentially causing alcohol poisoning, especially In children.
Use other soothing remedies that have stood the test of time to lower a fever.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Chills.
Boyce JM.Alcohols as surface disinfectants in healthcare settings.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2018 Mar;39(3):323-328. doi: 10.1017/ice.2017.301
Merck Manual Consumer Version.Fever in adults.
Slaughter RJ, Mason RW, Beasley DM, Vale JA, Schep LJ.Isopropanol poisoning.Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2014;52(5):470-478. doi:10.3109/15563650.2014.914527.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Fever in children.
New Health Advisor.How to reduce a fever.
American Academy of Pediatrics.When to call the pediatrician: Fever.
Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth.Fevers.
MedEvent 911.Ten common first aid mistakes.
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