How to get rid of an internal temperature? A guide to managing fever

September 27, 2025 •

4 min read

While the term 'internal temperature' isn't a medical one, a fever is your body's way of fighting an infection. Understanding how to get rid of an internal temperature properly involves safe, effective methods to lower your core temperature and manage symptoms for a quicker recovery. Your body's core temperature is naturally regulated by the hypothalamus in your brain.

Quick Summary

The sensation of an 'internal temperature' is typically a fever or your body's response to infection. Learn effective methods for managing elevated body heat safely at home, including proper hydration, rest, and cooling techniques. This guide covers what to do when you feel feverish, how to measure your temperature accurately, and when to seek medical advice for your symptoms.

Key Points

Identify the Issue: The term 'internal temperature' is not a medical condition; you likely have a fever or your body is responding to an illness. Use a thermometer to confirm.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water and electrolyte drinks to replenish lost fluids and prevent dehydration, which can worsen fever symptoms.
Cool Down Gently: Use lukewarm baths, cool compresses on key areas like the neck and armpits, and light clothing to help your body dissipate excess heat effectively.
Rest and Recover: Give your body the time and energy it needs to fight the infection by resting adequately and avoiding strenuous activities.
Know When to Seek Help: Consult a doctor if you have a high fever (103°F+), if it lasts for more than a few days, or if it is accompanied by concerning symptoms like a stiff neck, confusion, or rash.

What is an “Internal Temperature”?

According to medical professionals, an "internal fever" is not a recognized medical condition. The feeling of being hot internally, or having an 'internal temperature,' without a high reading on a standard thermometer, can be caused by a variety of factors. A fever itself is an internal increase in your core body temperature, regulated by the brain's hypothalamus. A fever is diagnosed when the body's temperature rises above the normal range of around 98.6°F (37°C), typically considered 100.4°F (38°C) or higher for most adults.

The perception of being hot on the inside while your skin feels cooler is often related to the body's thermoregulation processes. For instance, in the early stages of a fever, your body might constrict blood vessels in the skin, causing a chilly sensation, even as your core temperature rises. Other potential causes for a feverish feeling without a high reading include stress, anxiety, intense physical activity, hormonal fluctuations (such as during ovulation), or the onset of an illness before a measurable fever develops. It's crucial to measure your temperature accurately, using a reliable digital thermometer, to determine if a true fever is present.

The Medical Approach to Fever Reduction

For most healthy adults, a fever is not harmful and is a sign that the body's immune system is working. The goal of treatment is typically to alleviate discomfort, not to eliminate the fever entirely. However, in specific cases, such as with infants or those with underlying health issues, fever must be managed carefully.

Hydration and Rest

Staying hydrated is the most fundamental step. A fever can lead to fluid loss through sweating, increasing the risk of dehydration.

Drink plenty of fluids: Water is the best choice, but electrolyte-rich drinks, herbal teas, and broths can also help replenish fluids and minerals.
Avoid certain beverages: Steer clear of alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and excessive sugary fluids, as these can contribute to dehydration.
Get plenty of rest: Your body needs energy to fight the infection. Rest allows your immune system to function more effectively, promoting a faster recovery. Avoid strenuous activity until you feel better.

Cooling Techniques

Several external methods can help cool the body and provide comfort. The most effective methods use evaporation and conduction to draw heat away from the body.

Lukewarm baths or sponging: A lukewarm bath or sponging down with a damp cloth can gently lower your body temperature. Avoid cold water, as it can cause shivering, which generates more body heat.
Cool compresses: Apply a cool, damp washcloth to key points where blood vessels are close to the surface, such as the forehead, neck, armpits, and wrists.
Dress lightly: Wear loose, lightweight, and breathable clothing (like cotton) to allow air circulation and heat to escape from the skin. Avoid over-bundling.
Cool environment: Rest in a cool, well-ventilated room, possibly with a fan blowing over you to enhance evaporative cooling.

Over-the-Counter Medications

For relief of discomfort associated with fever and body aches, certain medications, such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), can be effective. Always consult a healthcare professional before use, especially for children or individuals with other health concerns. Due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers with fever.

Comparison of Fever Reduction Methods


Method	How it Works	Benefits	Cautions
Lukewarm Bath	Gently lowers body temp via conduction and evaporation.	Safe, soothing, and effective for adults and children.	Avoid cold water, which can cause shivering and increase temperature.
Cool Compresses	Targets blood vessels near the skin for localized cooling.	Quick, localized relief for headache or hot spots.	Only temporary relief; must be reapplied as they warm up.
OTC Medication	Works internally to reset the body's temperature set-point.	Addresses underlying fever mechanism and associated discomfort.	Consult a doctor for children or special cases.
Rest	Directs energy to the immune system for recovery.	Critical for fighting illness and recovering strength.	The body needs to be supported with fluids and light nutrition.
Heavy Blankets	Traps heat near the body, preventing release.	May feel comforting but can hinder the body's natural cooling process.	Ineffective; do not use. Use a light sheet instead.
Alcohol Rubs	Promotes rapid evaporation, but alcohol can be absorbed through the skin.	Historically used, but modern medicine advises against it due to risk of poisoning.	Dangerous; do not use. The risk of skin absorption is high.

When to See a Doctor

While most fevers resolve on their own, certain symptoms and situations warrant medical attention. Always consult a healthcare professional for fevers in infants under three months of age. Seek medical care if you experience any of the following:

A fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher in adults.
A fever that lasts longer than 3-5 days in adults.
A fever that does not respond to medication.
Accompanying symptoms such as a stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, rash, or breathing difficulties.
For children aged 3 months to 2 years, a fever over 102°F that lasts longer than 24 hours should be checked by a doctor.

Conclusion

Understanding how to effectively manage a fever is key to a comfortable and speedy recovery. The colloquial term “internal temperature” refers to a fever or your body’s natural heat regulation. By focusing on fundamental care like hydration, rest, and sensible cooling methods, you can help your body fight off the underlying cause. While home remedies are often effective for symptom management, it is critical to know when to seek professional medical advice, especially with severe or persistent symptoms. For reliable guidance on fever management, always consult a trustworthy health resource like the Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

A fever is a measurable elevation of your core body temperature, typically 100.4°F or higher in adults. The feeling of an "internal temperature" is a colloquial term for a feverish sensation, which may be a low-grade fever or your body's thermoregulation at work, even if a standard thermometer doesn't show a high reading.

When a fever begins, the brain's hypothalamus raises the body's temperature set-point. To reach this new, higher temperature, the body constricts blood vessels in the skin, causing a feeling of chills and making your skin feel cold, even though your core is heating up.

No, it is not recommended to use cold or ice baths for a fever. The cold can cause shivering, which is the body's natural response to generate heat and can actually raise your internal temperature.

Not always. For healthy adults, medication is primarily used to relieve discomfort from the fever, not to eliminate it completely. If the fever is low-grade and you feel fine, it may not be necessary to take medication.

Any fever in a baby under three months old should be evaluated by a doctor immediately. For older infants and children, monitor their discomfort, ensure they stay hydrated, dress them lightly, and consult with your pediatrician about appropriate medication if needed.

Use a reliable, properly calibrated digital thermometer. It's important to use the correct method for the thermometer type (oral, temporal, ear, etc.). Some anecdotal evidence suggests a scan ear thermometer may be more accurate than an armpit one for detecting internal heat.

Staying hydrated is more important than specific foods. Nutrient-rich broths, water-rich fruits like watermelon, and herbal teas can support hydration. Focus on eating light, nutritious meals if you have an appetite, but don't force yourself to eat if you're not hungry.