The illness begins with a person contracting fever and a runny nose characterized by occasional cough. After a few days, there are rashes which appear around the mouth area, in the form of little white dots that resemble grains of sand on a rosy bump. Also known as Koplik's spots, this kind of formation are distinctive of the measles infection. A couple of days later, rashes begin to sprout. It appears in the form of a distinctive progression beginning from the head, face, neck, to the abdominal region and then along to the arms and legs. The rash which initially looks like reddish flat patches soon begins to acquire a bumpy form, creating an itchy sensation. When the rash appears, the fever escalates too. The rash lasts for five days, then it turns brown and the skin affected becomes dry.
A measles rash typically has a red or red/brown appearance. The rash is blotchy, too, and will generally start to show on the forehead first. Once it has started it will then spread across the face downwards, and head towards the neck and the rest of the body. It eventually reaches the arms and feet to create an all-over body rash. It is incredibly uncomfortable and is easily noticeable given the unique nature of the rash.
Measles is also known as rubeola and is an incredibly contagious and dangerous infection of the respiratory organs. It is caused by a virus that is spread through contact and the air. The virus causes a total-body skin rash, which is outlined above, as well as severe flu-like symptoms in its victims. It will cause a cough, a runny nose and a fever. Despite being a relatively rare disease in the United States, there are around 20 million cases of it every day throughout the rest of the world.
Given that measles is caused by a virus, there isn't actually a specific medical treatment for the problem. The virus simply has to run its course and the body needs to be given the chance to fight off the infection. A doctor will be able to diagnose and advise you but ultimately cannot provide treatment. People who have the infection are suggested to receive plenty of fluids and rest a lot, and of course stay away from other people to avoid the infection spreading.
If you believe you are suffering from measles then see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. They will be able to discuss with you your options and the best way to help the virus run its course much more quickly than it normally might.
