Measles in a child is a fairly common infectious disease that is accompanied by a rash all over the body and damage to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and eyes.
It is a consequence of infection with a virus that is transmitted by airborne droplets. It enters the child's body through the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. Measles in a child is manifested by damage to the skin, mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes.
The disease has an incubation period that can last an average of 9 to 11 days. But sometimes, after 5-6 days, the first symptoms may already appear (cough, runny nose, redness of the conjunctiva, swelling of the lower eyelid). After a few days, you may notice your child has a fever, decreased appetite, weakness.
Unambiguously determine measles in children, the symptoms (photo below) of which are quite similar to the common cold, by examining the patient's oral cavity - a small white rash forms on the mucous cheeks and gums.
Then comes a period when it gradually manifests itself on the body of the child. First you cannotice a rash on the face and neck, the next day - already on the arms, torso and thighs, and on the 3rd day - on the shins and feet. Most of all she pours out on the upper part of the body. Approximately on the 4th day of the appearance of spots, they begin to gradually disappear, and pigmentation remains in their place, which subsequently causes peeling of the skin.
Measles in a child is accompanied by the appearance of conjunctivitis with purulent discharge. The disease is usually treated at home, and in case of complications, the patient is subject to hospitalization.
The basic rule of measles treatment is bed rest and strict hygienic care of the child. The patient should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as this causes additional eye irritation. Therefore, it is recommended to place the bed away from the window.
In general, the child's body is able to cope with the measles virus on its own. Your task is only to rid him of the symptoms accompanying the disease (fever, conjunctivitis, cough). To this end, it is necessary to give the child more fluids (for example, fresh juices, herbal teas, compotes), as well as special expectorant preparations if he suffers from a constant dry cough. In addition, during the period of measles, a diet should be followed. Food should be light. You can give your child vegetables, boiled meat. Be sure to strengthen the immunity of a sick baby by conducting vitamin therapy. Talk to your doctor about which complexes will be most effective for him. You can give ascorbic acid and vitamin A on your own. It can also be used as drops, instilled into the eyes to prevent or treat conjunctivitis.
Measles in a child can cause serious complications in the form of laryngitis, pneumonia, otitis media, encephalitis, etc. In such cases, it is necessary to be hospitalized so that the patient is constantly under the supervision of doctors.
In order to prevent the occurrence of this disease, preventive measures must be observed. The most effective of these is the measles vaccine. Children are given it at 12 months. This is a comprehensive MMR vaccine (measles, rubella, mumps).
