Measles Rash - Symptoms, Treatment and Information on the Vaccine

Though not spoken about as much today, catching the measles is still a reality for children as well as adults. Also known as rubeola, the measles are caused by the measles virus which is very contagious and brings a painful, spotty, red rash that starts on the face and spreads downward. It is accompanied by a fever, coughing, runny nose and watery eyes; in rare cases, pneumonia or an ear infection may develop. If not treated, it may bring fatal results or permanent brain damage.

Though the symptoms themselves may last a week on average, the process of catching this rash can occur over a period of time if not careful. It usually starts when a person with the measles virus coughs or sneezes into the air. The infected mist is contagious for at least two hours, whether it stays in the air or lands on a surface. The measles virus can be spread four days before getting a rash and four days afterward. A measles rash can appear almost two weeks after being exposed to the virus.

The best way to treat a measles rash is to use a cortisone cream or calamine lotion to relieve itching. Ibuprofen or aspirin may be taken to reduce fever along with plenty of fluids and bed rest. There is no actual cure but it can be prevented with a vaccine. The Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine can be given to children as young a one year. Anyone who has not received the MMR vaccine but anticipate traveling to Europe or other parts of the world are strongly encouraged to get a shot as there have been recent outbreaks in the United Kingdom. I personally had the measles when I was young and was told my fever was over 104 degrees. The vaccine was available a year later.

Babies and Eczema

Does your baby have scaly red patches on their skin? Odds are, your baby could have eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. This condition regularly appears in children from two months old to two years old. Eczema, an itchy skin rash, can appear on their forehead, cheeks and scalp. Eczema can also spread to a babies arms, chest, legs or other body parts. Eczema varies in appearance depending on the type of eczema.

Most common symptoms include dry, scaly skin or it might be tiny red bumps that blister, ooze or appear infected if they are scratched. Babies are prone to scratching due to eczema's extremely itchy nature so great care must be taken to prevent this. "Cradle cap" is another form of eczema or dermatitis that appears as white flaky skin on the scalp and possibly the ears of a baby.

Eczema is often inherited from parents. Parents who have had eczema, asthma or hay fever should monitor children closely for any signs of an eczema outbreak as there is an 80% chance their offspring will have eczema.

Eczema is not an allergic reaction but allergens can cause a flare-up. If a mother is breastfeeding, she must also monitor her own food consumption so as not to pass on allergens to a child suffering from eczema. Certain foods have been shown to cause eczema flare-ups but not in all cases. Common foods to avoid during an eczema flare-up include milk, eggs, tomatoes, citrus fruits, wheat and nuts. Also, try to avoid any food items that contain chemical additives or preservatives. Wool, soaps, shampoos, lotions and heat can also cause flare-ups of eczema in children.