Measles is a viral illness that can be very serious, particularly in children (and adults) with reduced immune activity. It is characterized by white spots on the lining of the cheeks, and a very high fever as the rash comes out. The rash itself is brownish red, and the spots may join together. There may be diarrhea, vomiting, pain in the neck (around the lymph nodes), and there may be symptoms of a cold, including a cough and occasionally conjunctivitis. Incubation period is between eight and fourteen days, and the illness itself can last up to two or three weeks. Thankfully the spots are not itchy.

Herbalism

• Garlic and echinacea can be taken to improve the immune system.
• Yarrow can be sipped as a tea to bring down fever and ease discomfort.
• Elderflower tea is also useful.
• Add chamomile or marigold to the bathwater to calm your child, and soothe.
• A compress of ginger may be used to help encourage the toxins to be released from the body.

Homeopathy

• The nosode Morbillinum can be taken for three days if you child has been in contact with a sufferer; this will help to reduce the severity of the symptoms.
• Aconite and Belladonna can be taken for high fever.
• Use Pulsatilla when there is diarrhea, yellow discharge, and a cough.
• Use Bryonia when there is a hard, painful cough, and a high temperature accompanied by thirst.
• Use Stramonium when there is a high fever, a red face, and convulsions.

Flower essences

• Rescue Remedy can be used to ease distress and discomfort.
• Cherry Plum, Hornbeam, and Chicory are suggested for all childhood illnesses.

Aromatherapy

• A few drops of Roman chamomile in the bath will ease symptoms and help encourage sleep.
• Lavender oil can be dropped on the bedclothes or on a handkerchief by the bed to calm. It can also be applied neat to spots, to encourage healing.
• When there is a build-up of phlegm, and other symptoms of a cold, a gentle chest massage with a few drops of tea tree oil in a light carrier oil base will help.
• Essential oil of eucalyptus or chamomile can be used in a vaporizer.

From the  larder

• Garlic will encourage the spots to “come out,” which means that the body is expelling toxins.
• Ginger can be used as a compress directly on the spots.
• Eat foods rich in vitamin C to encourage the immune system.
• Hot honey and lemon drinks are soothing and will encourage healing.

Self-help

• Avoid all solid foods until the fever has gone. Offer plenty of fresh, cool water – fever can lead to dehydration.
• Bed rest is recommended until symptoms are completely clear.

The measles rash is a blotchy brownish red, the spots miming together. It spreads down from the face. It is preceded by distinctive small red spots with white centers, which appear inside the mouth on the linings of the cheeks.

Measles (rubeola; morbilli) is potentially the most dangerous of childhood diseases. This is because it weakens the immune system and leaves the sufferer open to secondary infections. Major measles outbreaks are predictable, occurring regularly every three or four years.

CAUTION
Watch your child carefully as he recovers from measles. There is a risk of complications, including pneumonia, ear infection, bronchitis, and, very rarely, encephalitis. If fever recurs several days after the spots have begun to heal, see your physician.