Children with high fever, cold hands and feet are dangerous? (2024)

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Cao Thi Thanh - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Fever is a very common symptom in infants and young children, but instead of the child is hot all over; hands and feet are cold. So, is it dangerous for children with high fever to have cold hands and feet? How should parents take care of a child with this condition and when should the baby see a doctor?
Doctor Cao Thi Thanh, Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology, Vinmec General Hospital, Hai Phong will help parents answer the above questions.

1. What is the phenomenon of children with high fever, cold hands and feet?

Case 1: High fever is a symptom, cold hands and feet are a result of fever. Most children with fever, cold hands and feet are in this case. Fever is generated by the body's immune system under the direction of the brain axis - hypothalamus. When the hypothalamus recognizes an infection, it sets a "setpoint" that forces the body to raise its temperature (fever). The immune system at this time will release substances that cause the blood vessels in the legs and arms to constrict, so parents will find the child's hands and feet cold.
However, when the body has reached the number of “Setpoint”, the blood vessels will dilate. At that time, parents will see that the baby's hands and feet are pink, sometimes there are red spots, the baby sweats, and doesn't feel cold anymore.

Children with high fever, cold hands and feet are dangerous? (1)

Case 2: High fever and cold hands and feet are the result of the virus. Some cases of high fever, cold hands and feet are a sign of viral infection. The virus attacks the brain and small blood vessels of the baby's limbs. This is a serious condition, your baby could have meningitis or a blood infection.
Therefore, the best way when you meet a child with high fever, cold hands and feet, you must bring your child to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

2. Other signs of a fever give you peace of mind that your child is not seriously ill

Has normal skin color. Talk - normal activities / laughs. Baby wakes up or, if you call, wakes up quickly and easily. Strong crying, normal reflexes. Lips and tongue are not dry, not thirsty.

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3. Other signs of a fever help you realize your child is in a more serious condition

Your baby is less than 6 months old, has a fever above 39 degrees Celsius. Pale or even cyanotic skin. Does not respond to you as usual / does not smile / cry much for several hours. Difficulty waking the baby up. Don't want to do anything, lie still, sleep soundly. Dry lips and tongue, eyes - sunken fontanels. There were a few chills. When the baby breathes, the abdomen is bulging and the chest is concave. Stiff neck. Blisters on the skin. Rash when pressed.

4. How can parents take care of a child with cold hands and feet?

Children with fever below 38 degrees Celsius do not need antipyretic drugs. Drinking water with electrolytes for children: Orserol. If the child has a fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius, parents can give the child fever-reducing medicine, if the child is young, use hapacol - paracetamol. After getting an accurate diagnosis from the doctor, mothers need to keep the baby's body cool with clothes that absorb sweat well. Wipe your baby's body with a warm towel to make him feel comfortable and less cold. Give your baby soft, easy-to-digest foods such as porridge and milk. If your baby has any of these warning signs, you should bring him or her to see a doctor.
Pediatrics department at Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for receiving and examining diseases that infants and young children are susceptible to: viral fever, bacterial fever, otitis media, pneumonia in children, ... With modern equipment, sterile space, minimizing the impact as well as the risk of disease spread. Along with that is the dedication from the doctors with professional experience with pediatric patients, making the examination no longer a concern of the parents.