Measles

Measles is a viral condition characterized by a maculopapular rash. It can occur in any age group. Initially, there is fever which gradually becomes high grade. The eyes of the child become red. The child gets runny eyes and runny nose. It initially looks like a case of flu. Then, the ears start getting red. In a day or two, the measles rash appears. First the rash appears on the face. It is a maculopapular rash. Blotchy, red spots appear all over the body. Rash initially starts from behind the ears. After this first the face, then gradually over a period of days the body and upper limbs and finally the lower limbs get affected. The whole process takes four to five days. As the rash starts to appear on the lower limbs it starts disappearing on the face. The fever starts to come down. The child is very itchy.

Measles can be accompanied by a mild cough or diarrhea. However, in some cases, the cough may increase and there might be chest infection, which can go on to become complicated as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Or alternatively, diarrhea can develop. According to  Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla, child specialist in Karachi, In rare cases it can affect the brain resulting in measles encephalitis with unconsciousness and ultimately death. The doctor should be immediately consulted after appearance of the rash, to confirm the diagnosis of the rash and to start appropriate treatment. Self medication should never be practiced. It is not necessary to give antibiotics always. Three doses of vitamin A should always be given to prevent complications. It should be remembered that after measles the child starts losing weight, appetite is reduced. Emphasis on proper diet should be given, especially on protein intake.