Measles
Definition:
Measles is an infection caused by a virus, which causes an illness displaying a characteristic skin rash known as an exanthema. Measles is also sometimes called rubeola, 5-day measles, or hard measles.
Signs & Symptoms:
Measles signs and symptoms appear 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Signs and symptoms of measles typically include:
Fever
Dry cough
Runny nose
Sore throat
Inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)
Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek also called Koplik’s spots
A skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another
Cause:
The cause of measles is a virus that replicates in the nose and throat of an infected child or adult.
When someone with measles coughs, sneezes or talks, infected droplets spray into the air, where other people can inhale them. The infected droplets may also land on a surface, where they remain active and contagious for several hours.
You can contract the virus by putting your fingers in your mouth or nose or rubbing your eyes after touching the infected surface.
How To Cure:
- Neem Leaves
Neem, also known as Indian lilac, has antibacterial and anti-allergenic properties, and hence it can be very helpful in relieving itching that often occurs with the rash.
Grind a handful of fresh neem leaves into a paste. Apply the paste on the affected skin area. Let it dry on its own and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this once daily for two weeks.
Alternatively, you can soak a handful of neem leaves in water and put the water under the sun for several hours. Finally wash your skin with this water. This will have a soothing effect on your skin. Do this once daily for two weeks.
- Olive Leaf
Olive leaf is another most effective natural treatment against measles. Olive leaf has antimicrobial and antiviral properties that help kill the virus that causes measles. Plus, it is a natural antibiotic with antioxidant effects, which help in the healing process.
Grind a few olive leaves into a thick paste.
Apply the paste on the affected skin area. Leave it on for half an hour.
Rinse the area with lukewarm water and then pat dry thoroughly.
Follow this remedy once or twice a day for two weeks.
- Bitter Gourd
Bitter gourd or bitter melon has strong antioxidant properties that help combat various symptoms of measles. Plus, it has vitamin C, zinc, iron, potassium and dietary fiber, which are required to boost immunity and speed up the healing process.
Extract the juice from one fresh bitter gourd.
Mix one tablespoon of bitter gourd juice with one teaspoon of honey and one-half teaspoon of turmeric powder.
Take this mixture twice a day for two to three weeks.
