Measles

Symptoms

Measles is a highly contagious, childhood viral infection that begins as a flu with symptoms of fatigue, poor appetite and sudden high fever. Achy muscles and a queasy stomach are also common. Before the rash appears, the eyes become red, teary and light sensitive, and a runny nose and persistent cough are common.

Like chickenpox, measles is easily diagnosed by a characteristic skin eruption. The cough and fever increase over a period of about five days, then the rash appears. The rash does not develop until the flu symptoms have subsided for a day or so; then they start all over again. The rash first appears behind the ears and on the face as tiny, pink spots. These spread and converge, covering the body within twenty-four hours. Once the rash reaches the toes, the flu symptoms begin to subside. Within a few days, the temperature returns to normal and the skin begins to shed. Before the skin rash emerges, white spots like canker sores appear on the inside of the cheeks.

Measles usually resolves on its own within about ten days. Signs of complications are ear infections, croup, and encephalitis, which is a possibility if the child becomes dull or seems very ill. German measles, also known as rubella, are very similar but much milder illnesses.

Measles Causes

Measles is an infectious viral illness, but those who have been exposed are immune for life. The virus is highly contagious, spreading easily from a cough or a sneeze. Following infection, it can take up to two weeks for the symptoms to emerge. In children, the illness is contagious from the beginning, which is before the rash begins, until the skin sheds.

Measles Nutrition

Drink plenty of fluids, especially fresh carrot, orange or grape juice, to support the healing process and to replace liquid lost through sweating. Cantaloupe is refreshing and provides vitamins A and C, for which there is increased need during fever. Parsley and button mushrooms help measles to ripen, shortening recovery time.

Measles Nutritional Supplements

Provide ample vitamin C with bioflavonoids to combat the infection and support the immune system. Vitamin C is capable of deactivating viruses. It should be continued at maintenance dosages for two weeks after improvement of symptoms in order to ensure a complete recovery. Vitamins A and E can also be supplemented to provide the immune system, the skin and the mucous membranes extra support. Zinc is also very supportive to the immune system. Provide these supplements for one week to ten days.

Colloidal silver is a broad spectrum natural antibiotic product which is gaining more widespread use. It can be taken internally or topically and has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Non-toxic to human cells, silver works by disabling enzyme systems found in bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Children's daily dosages:

Most Important

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, age three to six, 150 mg; age seven to eleven, 300 mg

Vitamin A, age three to six, 3,000 IU; age seven to eleven, 4,000 IU

Helpful

Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, age three to six, 15 IU; age seven to eleven, 25 IU

Zinc, age three to eleven, 10 mg

Colloidal silver, 1 tsp.

Measles Herbal Remedies

Fluids are essential to help flush the infection from the body. Herbal teas supply liquids in a refreshing and calming way.

During fever, give the child hot herbal teas or juices only. Make tea of fennel, camomile or sage and drink 1 cup daily. Alternately, take 1 tbsp. of fresh herbal juice.

To disinfect, rinse mouth with sage tea.

Add 5 drops of fresh ginger or echinacea tincture to herbal teas if measles cause nausea.

Measles Homeopathy

Homeopathy is an excellent form of treatment to ease symptoms, prevent complications and speed healing. Choose one of the below in a 6c strength, repeating hourly for three doses, then four times daily until symptoms change or subside. One dose is 2 tablets under the tongue.

In the beginning stage, if the fever is high and sudden, accompanied by restlessness, possibly anxiety, consider Aconite, a remedy which is often indicated for measles.

Belladonna is also helpful for high fevers, but can produce dullness and possibly, delirium. Typically, the child needing Belladonna has red cheeks and a throbbing headache.

Another alternative in the beginning is Gelsemium. Use this remedy if the development is slower and drowsiness is prevalent.

Euphrasia is very useful if eye symptoms are prominent, namely tearing, redness, swelling and sensitivity to light.

Pulsatilla is often used in the later stages of measles, when the symptoms include a yellowish green discharge from the nose and eyes, little thirst, and a dry cough at night that tends to loosen during the daytime. Heat, or getting hot makes the child feel worse.

Measles Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets four times daily under the tongue.

Use Ferr phos when inflammation is at its worst, with high fever, painfully red eyes and flushed face.

Kali mur should be alternated with Ferr phos when there is swelling, thick white discharges or the mucous membranes are coated white.

Kali sulph will help heal a rash that becomes dry, itchy and scaly.

Calc phos supports convalescence if recovery is slow.

Silicea is a tissue cleanser, and helps to eliminate waste by discharging dead organic matter.

Measles External/Physical Therapies

Bedrest in a darkened, well-ventilated room is essential. Avoid getting a draft. However, if the child feels well enough to be up, do not keep him or her in bed.

Daily cool body washes help ease the condition.

Induce sweating to avoid inner complications, such as middle-ear infections and pneumonia.

To bring out the rash and expel toxins, repeatedly apply flannels dipped in a hot infusion of thyme to the affected areas.

In cold weather, keep the child in bed another week after the fever has subsided.

Measles Other Suggestions

Avoid giving children remedies that contain salicylic acid, since it increases the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but life-threatening illness that occurs after infectious illnesses.

Measles Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)

Multi Element Buffered C

(Klaire Laboratories)

Zinc Plus (Klaire Laboratories)

Big Friends Children's Chewable (Natural Factors)

C 500 mg Natural Fruit Chews (Natural Factors)

E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)

Vitamin A (Natural Factors)

Herbal Remedies

Echinacea Fresh Juice Extract (Natural Factors)

Echinacea Tincture (Natural Factors)

Echinacea Angustifolia Extract (Nature's Herbs)

Homeopathy

Belladonna (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Pulsatilla (Nelsons Homeopathy)