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Measles treatment
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Measles treatment is usually carried out at home. Only children with severe measles, with complications or patients whose home conditions do not allow for appropriate care are subject to hospitalization. Children from closed children's institutions and children under 1 year of age are subject to mandatory hospitalization.
The main attention should be directed to the creation of good sanitary and hygienic conditions and proper care of the patient. Fresh air and proper nutrition are necessary. The patient with measles should be hospitalized in a Meltzer box, which should not be darkened.
- Hygienic maintenance of the skin and mucous membranes is of exceptional importance.
- Several times a day, the eyes are washed with warm boiled water or a 2% sodium bicarbonate solution.
- After removing pus and purulent crusts, a solution of retinol acetate in oil is instilled into the eyes, 1-2 drops 3-4 times a day. This protects the sclera from drying out and prevents the occurrence of keratitis.
- Dry, chapped lips are lubricated with boric petroleum jelly or fat.
- The nose is cleared with cotton swabs soaked in warm Vaseline oil; if crusts form, it is recommended to put 1-2 drops of Vaseline oil into the nose 3-4 times a day.
- Rinsing the mouth with boiled water (for older children) or simply drinking water after eating helps maintain oral hygiene and prevent stomatitis.
- Nutrition is given according to age. Symptomatic drug therapy is used depending on the severity of individual symptoms in each specific case.
- Antibiotics are not recommended for uncomplicated measles. Young children (under 2 years old), especially those weakened by previous illnesses, with severe measles, severe intoxication and changes in the lungs (shortness of breath, moist rales, pneumonia is possible), should be prescribed antibiotics simultaneously with probiotics (Acipol, etc.).
- In case of pronounced catarrhal symptoms in the nasopharynx and oropharynx, the use of topical bacterial lysates is justified - the preparations IRS 19 and Imudon.
Forecast
With proper treatment and care of the patient, the outcome is usually favorable.