Why alcohol is used for sponge bath to reduce the fever of a patient?

Alcohol is sometimes used for sponge baths to reduce fever because of its evaporative cooling effect. When alcohol is applied to the skin, it evaporates rapidly, drawing heat away from the body and causing a cooling sensation. This can help to lower the body's temperature.

However, it's important to note that alcohol should NOT be used on children or infants, as it can cause alcohol toxicity. Additionally, alcohol can be drying to the skin and can cause irritation, especially in patients with sensitive skin.

For these reasons, lukewarm water is generally preferred over alcohol for sponge baths to reduce fever. Lukewarm water is also effective at cooling the body and does not pose the same risks as alcohol.