What is measles?
Measles is a severe contagious disease, which mostly occurs in children. A running nose, conjunctivitis, a cough and a high temperature are common symptoms, followed by a rash which appears firstly behind the ears, then over the face and body. German measles (rubella) is a much milder disease than measles, and may even go unnoticed.
Often there are only minimal symptoms or it may be characterised by enlarged glands at the back of the neck, a cold or slight sore throat, backache and a general feeling of illness, followed by a blotchy, pink rash on the face, neck and body, which may fade rapidly.
The main concern with German measles is its ability to affect an unborn baby, so pregnant women who have been in contact with the disease should immediately seek medical attention.
What can you do about measles?
Bed rest, plenty of fluids and medical attention are essential. Ensure that the room is comfortably warm, and that no-one with a cold or influenza goes near the patient as the most common complications of measles are bronchitis, pneumonia and ear abscesses, which may develop afterwards. The patient should be washed in bed, paying particular attention to the eyes, which should be bathed with cool, boiled water. Avoid soap, which can remove the skin’s natural protective oils. Instead, use a gentle, soap-free cleanser and pat skin dry after bathing to avoid abrasion.
The rash will be hot and possibly itchy, but it’s important not to scratch as this can lead to inflammation and secondary infection, making the problem a more complicated condition to treat.
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