Measles is caused by a virus that is easily transmitted. However, measles is not a serious illness and dangerous. Caring for a child with measles alone at home. The important thing, always vigilant and take precautions against the dangers of complications, due to a decrease in endurance of the disease.
Symptoms in the first level similar to the symptoms of flu or other diseases caused by viruses. At first it appears the distinctive sign, namely the emergence of grayish-white spots at the tip of the needle circled reddish color that appears on the mucous membranes of the cheeks, near the molars.
After 4-5 days, raised red blotches on some parts of the body, such as face, neck, upper arms and legs. Symptoms are similar to flu, cold cough that is getting worse. In addition the mucous membranes in the mouth becomes reddish, so that the mouth and lips were red. Patients also feel itching on the whole body.
Once that period is completed, the original body temperature up and down is not necessarily the body heat can be increased up to 40 degrees Celsius, will gradually return to normal. Similarly, the rash will disappear and leave scars dark.
Prevention
To prevent children exposed to measles in the event of an epidemic, can ask the doctor to give immunizations. This preventive injections are usually given to children aged nine months. Had remains exposed to measles, it will cause milder symptoms than children who are not immunized.
Giving good nutrition and appropriate for children need to be considered. Good endurance allows the child to avoid complications from measles.
Home Care
- In the first stage, the child feels dazzled when seeing bright light. Therefore extinguish or reduce the bedroom lights.
- If the child's body temperature rose to 40 degrees Celsius for more than half an hour, try to compress with warm water. If the eyes feel hot, compressed with cold water. Better not to wrap the body of a child with a thick blanket.
- If the third phase (recovery phase) child's body temperature does not decrease, it is necessary to be aware of the presence of complications, due to a decrease in child's immune system. Complications easily arise in children who from the beginning have low immunity. For example, children suffering from malnutrition. Circumstances worsened if the child is suffering from complications. Complications arise normally in the form of pneumonia and encephalitis. If such circumstances, the need for help physicians.
- When the situation improves, and appetite recovered, try to give foods high in nutrients. There is a possibility of children suffering from malnutrition after measles disease and loss of appetite.
- Children with measles will lose appetite and drinking. Seek child to drink fluids as often as possible.
- Clean the body with warm water. Children with high body temperature, should not be bathed first, sufficiently cleaned with a cloth and warm water.
- Can be given the powder on the child's body, to relieve itching.
- Seek for children to stay at home and not playing around with friends, considering the disease is easily transmitted.
