Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the measles virus. These viruses are transmitted either through direct physical contact with the sick or through droplets in the air (aerogenic).
The classic rash is characteristic of measles approx. 4-7 days after infection and after the fever that occurs first has subsided, which typically begins behind the ears and then spreads over the entire body. The spots are initially small and dark red, but can then merge into larger ones and correlate with a renewed rise in fever.
The following topic is also of interest to you: measles
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The measles infection is caused by the measles virus of the same name, an RNA virus belonging to the so-called family of Paramyxoviruses heard and only occurs in humans.
The infection with this virus usually happens either through direct physical contact with the patient in the period of 3-5 days before and about Infectious 4 days after the typical rash or via droplets in the air. They then enter the body via the mucous membranes of the airways or via the conjunctiva, multiply in the lymph nodes and spread from there.
The diagnosis is often made solely on the basis of the typical rash, which in combination with the accompanying symptoms for measles characteristic is.
In addition, so-called IgM antibodies against the measles virus can be determined in the blood, which are protein molecules - produced by immune cells - that are released into the bloodstream to fight the virus.
The virus can sometimes come out directly Throat swab or Urine samples can be detected by cultivating it in a laboratory using special procedures.
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It occurs in the first 3 to 5 days of measles infection, before the rash appears General symptoms such as fever, runny nose, cough, feeling sick and typical white spots on the oral mucosa (Koplik's spots) that look like small grains of sand, especially in the cheek area.
You might also be interested in: Rash on the forehead
If the fever then falls, it often occurs between the 5 to 7 days the rash, which can cause the fever to rise again. After a while, as the infection and symptoms gradually go away, the skin on which the rash appeared may begin to peel off in small flakes.
The rash that occurs in advanced measles is often accompanied by more or less severe itching.
Depending on how widespread the rash is, different parts of the body itch.
If superficial scratches occur as a result of scratching (these often occur overnight when one unconsciously pursues the itching by scratching while sheep / half asleep), in the worst case they can also become infected with bacteria (superinfection) and become inflamed.
Since there is no therapy for a measles infection and it heals by itself after a certain time, the individual symptoms can only symptomatic and any complications that may arise are addressed accordingly.
$config[ads_text3] not foundSince the measles rash is often very itchy, it is treated so that the itchingis nursed or alleviated as best it can.
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Are helpful cooling compresses, either just with water or with itch-relieving additives like black tea.
Furthermore, cooling creams or gels help, which can also contain cortisone components in the case of very severe itching, which additionally reduce this and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
In order to avoid scratching the rash and possible subsequent infection of the open scratches, the fingernails can be deliberately cut very short so that the Risk is minimized. Also should be on dispensed with hot baths as these often make itching worse.
If the measles vaccine is administered, a typical measles rash can occur during the vaccination or, under certain circumstances, a real measles infection with a rash in the course of life can occur despite the vaccination.
The first case is based on the fact that weakened forms of the measles virus are administered with the measles vaccination - a so-called live vaccine.
If these viruses get into the body, the immune system reacts with a defense reaction and forms measles virus-specific antibodies to fight the viruses. On the one hand, these kill the viruses; on the other hand, the immune cells also act as a kind of immune system memory, remember the virus precisely and directly form the most effective antibodies in the event of a renewed infection, so that an outbreak is usually prevented.
Even if the vaccine involves weakened forms of the virus, these can lead to weakened, non-contagious measles infection symptoms during the defense reaction and antibody formation, including a weakened, less severe rash.
$config[ads_text4] not foundIn the case of an incomplete measles vaccination, the infection can still occur in its entirety in the course of life if the virus is re-infected.
Further information on this topic can be found at: Rash after vaccination and pain after vaccination
In certain cases it can happen that a measles infection with a rash occurs despite vaccination. The most common reason for this is that the previous measles vaccination was not complete: the body usually needs two vaccinations for adequate measles protection.
The first measles vaccination should ideally take place between the ages of 11 and 14 months, the second follow-up vaccination in the second year of life between 15 and 23 months. The second vaccination is not the same as a classic booster vaccination, but rather one to make the vaccination protection completely. If the second vaccination fails, the body is not completely immune to the virus and cannot (completely) fight it off if it is infected.
Read more on this topic under: Measles vaccination
