2 Mistakes Parents Make While Sponging a Child With Fever

Dr. Sandip Gupta

This video covers two mistakes parents often make while doing patti (sponging) for a child with fever. Mistake 1 — Using ice water or cold water. Doing patti with ice water or cold water is wrong. Sponging should be done with normal temperature water or lightly lukewarm water. Mistake 2 — Keeping the patti only on the forehead. Just placing the patti on the head does not help much. Sponging should be done over the child's whole body, in a wiping motion. This releases heat through evaporation and gives the child comfort. The video invites parents to comment which of these mistakes they have made, and to share the video with other parents. Relevant for: parents doing sponging or patti for a child with fever; parents asking whether cold water, ice water or lukewarm water should be used; parents who only place a cloth on the child's forehead; and parents wanting to know the correct sponging technique to bring a child's fever down and make them comfortable. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your pediatrician for the correct medicine and dose for your child, and seek immediate medical attention if the fever is very high, persists, or the child appears unwell.