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How to Take a Temperature Under the Armpit by Adding a Degree

The severity of your temperature affects whether you contact a doctor, take a fever reducer or let the illness run its course. Not all parts of your body share the same temperature. According to the Mayo Clinic, the ear canal, rectum and mouth offer accurate temperature readings. But the concentration of sweat glands in your underarms reduces the temperature by one degree Fahrenheit. Obtaining an accurate body temperature from your underarm is possible by adjusting the final thermometer reading.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper towel, or tissue
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Thermometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pat the underarm skin gently to remove any perspiration, as a thermometer slips easily from a sweaty armpit. Do not rub the skin, as the friction raises the skin temperature.

    • 2

      Wipe down the thermometer tip with rubbing alcohol to sterilize the surface.

    • 3

      Place the thermometer in the arm-pit crease and lower your arm to the side to secure it.

    • 4

      Sit down and leave the thermometer in place for five minutes or until you hear the beeping signal, if using an electronic model.

    • 5

      Remove the thermometer from the armpit without touching the tip.

    • 6

      Read the temperature and add one degree Fahrenheit to what the thermometer indicates, to determine your actual body temperature.

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