Measles
If your little one's got measles, you'll both know something's not right. They'll have a range of symptoms that may include fever, a runny nose, cough and possibly aches and pains. Next, a blotchy rash of brownish-red spots will appear behind the ears, spreading over the whole body.
Treating the symptoms
There isn't a specific treatment for measles. In most cases, all you need to do is to ensure they get plenty of rest, and take a few simple steps to reduce any fever. If there are no complications, symptoms usually disappear within 7-10 days. In the meantime, you might find these tips helpful:
- Check your child's temperature regularly. If it's running high, do your best to lower it. Keep them cool, but not cold.
- To relieve fever and aches and pains, use a medicine containing paracetamol such as CALPOL® Infant Suspension. Or you could try CALPROFEN® Ibuprofen Suspension which starts to work on fever in just 15 minutes and lasts up to 8 hours.
- Kids with measles can be sensitive to light, so you may want to close the curtains, or dim the lights more than usual.
- They may also get some crustiness around the eyes. Damp cotton wool is really useful for this. Use one piece of cotton wool per wipe, moving from the inner to outer lid.
- Cough medicines unfortunately won't help much in this case. But placing a bowl of water in the room creates a more humid atmosphere, which can help relieve a cough. If your child's over a year old, they may benefit from a teaspoon of lemon juice and two teaspoons of honey in a glass of warm water. (Note that honey shouldn't be given to babies under 12 months old.)
- Feverish children lose water rapidly, and this makes a cough worse. Keep them drinking as much as possible to prevent dehydration.
This is for background information only. If you are at all concerned or in any doubt contact your GP.