Measles in children starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by Koplik’s spots and a rash. It can lead to serious complications if not treated quickly, but can usually be treated with home remedies. Vaccination is recommended to prevent measles.
Although most children are vaccinated against measles, the few who get the condition are at risk of suffering serious complications. This virus is quite contagious, but can usually be treated with home remedies if caught early. Unfortunately, the first symptoms of measles in children appear the same as the symptoms of a cold, including a runny nose, cough, fever, and watery red-rimmed eyes. The next symptom is usually the appearance of white or red spots inside the mouth, called Koplik’s spots. A rash may appear later, along with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and swollen lymph nodes.
The most common early symptom of measles in children is an apparent cold which includes coughing, sneezing and a runny nose. Indeed, this virus is usually spread through liquids that are expelled during sneezing or coughing, so it is important that those affected cover their mouths. Fever is also often present during the early period of this virus. Some similar symptoms that are rare but possible include red-ringed eyes and photosensitivity.
Koplik’s spots usually appear next, which are white or red bumps inside the mouth. They usually appear on the cheeks a few days after cold symptoms appear. The next stage of measles in children is typically a rash, usually starting on the neck and face and traveling along the rest of the child’s body. It can be accompanied by itching and often makes the skin red and blotchy. Some rarer symptoms of measles in children include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and even swollen lymph nodes, although these are usually seen in more severe cases.
Measles in children can occur one to three weeks after exposure to the virus and, if not treated quickly, can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, or seizures. Each of these conditions can be quite dangerous for children, which is why most get vaccinated against measles, usually between the ages of one and two. It is important to note that while immediate medical attention is suggested for children with measles, there is no cure for this condition. Your child will need to stay hydrated as measles is known to drain fluids easily from the body, requiring frequent changes of clothes and bedding as the infected fluids leave. Additionally, a cool bath can help lower a fever and relieve itchy skin as your child fights off the virus.
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