Why During high fever a piece of wet cloth is kept on the forehead person?

When a person has a high fever, one of the most common ways to help reduce the fever is to apply a wet cloth to the forehead. This method works by utilizing the body's natural cooling mechanisms through evaporation and conduction. Here's why placing a wet cloth on the forehead helps lower body temperature:

1. Evaporation: When a wet cloth is placed on the forehead, the water on the cloth begins to evaporate. This process of evaporation requires energy in the form of heat, which is drawn from the surrounding area, including the forehead and the body. As a result, the forehead and the person's overall body temperature start to cool down.

2. Conduction: The wet cloth also acts as a conductor of heat. When it comes into contact with the warm forehead, the cloth absorbs the heat and transfers it away from the body. This process helps in dissipating heat from the forehead and contributes to the overall cooling effect.

3. Stimulation of Blood Vessels: Applying a cold, wet cloth to the forehead can cause the blood vessels in the area to constrict. This constriction reduces blood flow to the skin surface, leading to a decrease in the amount of heat radiating from the body.

4. Psychological Effects: The sensation of a cool, wet cloth on the forehead can have a psychological impact on the person. It creates a feeling of relief and can provide a sense of comfort, which may indirectly contribute to the perception of reduced fever.

It's important to note that while placing a wet cloth on the forehead can be an effective way to lower a high fever, it should not be the only method used. Other measures, such as taking appropriate fever medications as prescribed by a doctor, staying hydrated, and ensuring proper rest, are essential for managing a fever effectively.