Recently, some parenting experiences circulating on the Internet have attracted people's attention, some of which are strange and hard to distinguish between true and false. Experts remind us that some of the circulation may be "deceptive", so we must not be careless.
Can applying Huoxiang Zhengqi water to the navel reduce fever?
It has some effect on slight fever
Recently, there has been a claim on the Internet that applying Huoxiang Zhengqi water to the navel can reduce fever. It is said that "a friend had a high fever of 39℃ at night, with a hot body and cold hands and feet, body aches, dizziness, and fear of cold. After using a cotton ball dipped in Huoxiang Zhengqi water and placing it in the navel, the temperature dropped to 38.5℃ after half an hour, 38℃ after one hour, and 37℃ in the morning, without any discomfort. This method has benefited many people, from 80-year-old elderly to 7-month-old infants."
Huoxiang Zhengqi water is mainly used to treat gastrointestinal cold, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting caused by heatstroke. However, its ingredients include Huoxiang (Pogostemonis Herba), ethanol, and purple perilla, all of which have the effect of reducing fever. Therefore, it can play a certain role in reducing fever below 38℃, such as fever caused by heatstroke, fever caused by gastrointestinal discomfort, and fever caused by dampness. Since Huoxiang Zhengqi water tastes a bit unpleasant, it can be tried to apply it to the navel for some crying children, those who vomit after taking medicine, or children who refuse to take medicine. However, drinking Huoxiang Zhengqi water is more effective than applying it only on the navel.
For high fever above 38℃, it is necessary to seek medical attention in a timely manner. Do not take a folk remedy as a "treasure book" to avoid delaying the treatment.
Should you cover the baby when they have a fever?
Keeping the body heat from dissipating will have a counter effect
When a person has a fever and feels chills and cold, it is acceptable to cover them for a while, but the cover should be removed as soon as they start sweating. Covering will not help with reducing fever. On the contrary, it will prevent the body heat from dissipating, making the body temperature even higher, which may lead to high fever, dehydration, fainting, or even death.
Do not cover when you have a fever. The first thing to do when you have a fever is to dissipate heat and lower body temperature. If a baby has a fever below 38℃, parents can take physical measures to lower the temperature, such as applying a cold towel to the head, neck, armpits, and groin (cold water or alcohol rubbing is forbidden in the chest, abdomen, and soles of the feet), and changing it after a few minutes; a warm water bath can also help lower the temperature. In addition, the baby should drink plenty of water.
Is baby's bald spot caused by calcium deficiency?
Random calcium supplementation is not advisable
When a baby has a bald spot, many parents believe it is due to calcium deficiency and give their children calcium supplements on their own. However, some time ago, a netizen posted on Weibo saying "Bald spot ≠ calcium deficiency": "Baby's bald spot may be caused by friction between the head and the pillow, leading to local hair loss and slow growth, which is not directly related to calcium deficiency." Is this true?
A common cause of a baby's bald spot is calcium deficiency, but it is not the only reason. For example, if the head rubs against the pillow for a long time, the hair in that area will gradually become sparse, eventually leading to a bald spot. Therefore, it is not advisable to randomly supplement calcium for a bald spot, and excessive calcium supplementation can also cause problems such as constipation and loss of appetite in children.
How to determine if a baby is calcium deficient? The symptoms of mild calcium deficiency include irritability, excessive sweating, and restless sleep. At this time, parents can give their children some calcium supplements, such as calcium gluconate oral solution, Longmu Strong Bone Granules, etc. Severe calcium deficiency is manifested by a square-shaped head, "bracelet rings" on the ankles and wrists, and a prominent rib-chest junction. At this time, parents should take their children to the hospital for examination and treatment.
