Calf wrap in fever: how it works

Sabine Schrör is a freelance author for the NetDoktor medical editorial team. She studied business administration and public relations in Cologne. As a freelance editor, she has been at home in a wide range of industries for more than 15 years. Health is one of her favorite topics.

Wadenwickel are a proven home remedy to gently reduce fever. Because the damp, cool packs dissipate body heat. In addition to fever, there are other areas of application. Cold calf wraps can have an anti-inflammatory effect and help against inner restlessness. Read all the important information about calf wraps here – how they work, how to make them and when you shouldn’t use them.

What are calf wraps?

A calf wrap is a term used to describe moist, cool envelopes around the lower legs that extend from the heels to below the knees. The wraps, moistened in cool water, are covered with two additional layers of fabric to achieve an optimal effect.

How do calf wraps work??

Calf wraps lower the body temperature using a simple mechanism: the cool moisture of the wraps evaporates on the patient’s warm skin. The evaporative cold removes heat from the body. In this way, the body temperature can be reduced by up to 2 degrees Celsius. Compared to other temperature-reducing applications such as cold washes, calf wraps are particularly gentle on the circulation.

The cold stimulus triggered by the calf wrap also affects the vegetative nervous system: the vessels are tightened, blood pressure rises, metabolism and blood circulation are stimulated.

However, if you leave cool calf wraps on the skin so long that they become warm and reach body temperature, the opposite effect occurs. Then they stimulate the autonomic nervous system to expand the vessels, which has a relaxing effect.

How are calf wraps made??

Wraps of three layers are recommended. You should use natural materials (such as cotton) for every layer, since synthetic fibers do not let air or moisture pass through.

Here’s how to do it:

For the first layer, soak two thin linen or cotton towels (e.g. kitchen towels, handkerchiefs for small children) in cool water *, wring them out gently, and wrap a towel tightly around your calves.
As a second layer, you can, for example, put two dry cotton towels around the damp wrap.
A warming layer forms the end. Scarves or blankets made of wool are ideal for this.

* Cool water in adults and older children means cold water with a temperature between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius. Warm water (approx. 28 to 32 degrees Celsius) is best for calf wraps in toddlers. However, ice-cold water is never advisable – it would put too much strain on the circulation!

Never cover calf wraps with aluminum or cling film. Because the air-impermeable film prevents the heat from being dissipated. This can quickly lead to a build-up of heat.

Calf wrap with additives

Additives can be used to increase the calf wrap’s temperature-reducing effect. For example, calf wraps with vinegar have proven their worth. Because vinegar supports the heat-dissipating effect of the wraps, refreshes and relaxes.

For vinegar wraps, simply add a little vinegar essence to the water. Are recommended five Tablespoons of vinegar essence to a liter of water. Then proceed as described above.

The anti-inflammatory effect of cold calf wraps can be enhanced with clay or healing earth. To do this, coat the damp cloths about knife-thick with cool clay or medicinal clay porridge and apply the calf wrap as described.

How are calf wraps applied??

Calf wraps should be used lying down. It is also important that the rest of the body, especially the feet, stay warm. Thick socks and a warm duvet help. However, this should not be spread over the lower legs so that the heat can be sufficiently dissipated.

Before applying the calf wrap, you should place a waterproof pad under the patient’s legs so that the bed sheet and mattress do not get wet.

Be careful not to wrap the layers of fabric too tightly. Otherwise the blood circulation in the lower legs will be restricted.

Calf wrap – how often and for how long?

Calf wraps in children should remain on for no more than ten minutes. With increasing age, the length of the calf wrap treatment can be increased to 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the desired effect.

If the patient feels uncomfortable, freezes or tremors, you should remove the calf wraps immediately.

You can repeat the application of calf wraps three to four times. Then you should take a break. Check after this End of treatment the patient’s temperature.