Symptoms of measles in children

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Common symptoms of measles in children generally start with a fever. Usually, the onset of measles begins with a fever, followed by catarrhal symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and excessive tearing, which occur three to five days later. If a rash appears, it usually starts behind the ears and around the hairline with red spots and gradually spreads to the face, torso, and eventually to the entire body including the limbs, as well as the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Additionally, measles can cause spots on the mucous membranes in the mouth and is prone to complications like pneumonia. These are some of the common symptoms of measles. If measles is complicated by pneumonia or severe pneumonia, it is important to take it seriously.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Early symptoms of measles in children

The initial manifestations of measles include: First, fever usually moderate or higher, with varying patterns. Second, symptoms of upper respiratory tract inflammation and conjunctivitis. Along with the fever, symptoms such as cough, sneezing, throat congestion, acute upper respiratory infections, conjunctival congestion, tearing, and photophobia can appear. Third, measles mucosal spots, also known as Koplik's spots, are an early specific sign of measles. They usually appear one to two days before the rash, initially located on the buccal mucosa opposite the lower molars as gray-white spots with a diameter of 0.5-1mm, surrounded by a red halo. They rapidly increase in number, extending over the entire buccal and lip mucosa, and may merge. They disappear one to two days after the rash appears. Fourth, other symptoms include general discomfort, decreased appetite, lethargy, and may also include vomiting and diarrhea.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What to do with measles in children?

Measles in children is a disease caused by a viral infection that leads to fever and rash. It is prone to complications such as pneumonia, as well as myocarditis, encephalitis, etc., so it is crucial to take measles seriously and seek medical attention promptly. Initially, antivirals can be administered, along with treatments to reduce heat and fever. If complications like pneumonia, myocarditis, or encephalitis occur, timely appropriate treatments should also be given. Furthermore, when a child contracts measles, it is important to avoid going out since it is an infectious disease that can easily spread to other children, thus outings should be temporarily avoided. During the rash phase, nursing care should be intensified, body temperature should be monitored, and attention should be paid to the child’s breathing, mental response, and other conditions. The diet should be light, allowing the child to eat more fruits and vegetables, and ensuring frequent changing of clothes and maintaining skin cleanliness and hygiene.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of measles in children

Common symptoms of measles in children generally start with a fever. Usually, the onset of measles begins with a fever, followed by catarrhal symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and excessive tearing, which occur three to five days later. If a rash appears, it usually starts behind the ears and around the hairline with red spots and gradually spreads to the face, torso, and eventually to the entire body including the limbs, as well as the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Additionally, measles can cause spots on the mucous membranes in the mouth and is prone to complications like pneumonia. These are some of the common symptoms of measles. If measles is complicated by pneumonia or severe pneumonia, it is important to take it seriously.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Is baby rash measles?

Roseola infantum, also known as roseola, is characterized mainly by a fever lasting three to four days followed by the appearance of a rash as the fever subsides. This viral infection is caused by human herpesvirus types 6 and 7. Roseola is not measles, although both conditions involve a high fever followed by a rash. However, during the rash phase of measles, the fever continues to rise, accompanied by other respiratory symptoms. Consequently, the fever in measles lasts much longer compared to roseola, where the rash appears after the fever subsides. The presentation of the rash in roseola is distinctly different from that of measles, hence roseola is not referred to as measles. However, roseola is sometimes known by another name, German measles, which should not be confused with regular measles. The name "German measles" stems from the similarity of the rash in roseola to that of measles.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
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What should I do about baby measles?

The main treatments for measles in infants include symptomatic treatment, enhanced care, and prevention of complications. Children with measles should rest in bed, maintain a suitable indoor temperature and air circulation, avoid strong light exposure, and ensure cleanliness of the skin, eyes, and mouth. Encourage them to drink plenty of water and provide easily digestible, nutritionally rich food. For fever, a small dose of antipyretic can be used as appropriate, but rapid fever reduction should be avoided, especially during the initial diagnosis period. Cough may be treated with nebulization and cough suppressants. It is necessary to supplement vitamins. Appropriate treatments should be given for complications, and antibiotics should be provided for secondary infections.