Is it Measles or Chickenpox Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

1. Is it Measles or Chickenpox? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment DOC-AID URGENT CARE

2. Key Points: Key Points: • Chickenpox is caused by the varicella Chickenpox is caused by the varicella- -zoster virus, while measles is caused by the measles virus. while measles is caused by the measles virus. zoster virus, • Chickenpox: Rash starts as fluid Chickenpox: Rash starts as fluid- -filled blisters causing itching, eventually forming scabs. It appears on chest, itching, eventually forming scabs. It appears on chest, back, face, and spreads across the body. Other back, face, and spreads across the body. Other symptoms include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, symptoms include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, and headache. and headache. filled blisters causing • Measles: Symptoms appear 10 to 14 days after Measles: Symptoms appear 10 to 14 days after exposure and include runny nose, cough, sore throat, exposure and include runny nose, cough, sore throat, red, swollen eyes, and red, swollen eyes, and Koplik Koplik spots. spots. • Antibiotics are ineffective since both are viral Antibiotics are ineffective since both are viral infections. infections.

3. What causes chickenpox and measles? What causes chickenpox and measles? The varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox, and the measles virus causes measles. Both chickenpox and measles are highly contagious. If someone who hasn't had chickenpox or isn't vaccinated against it comes into contact with an infected person, there's a 90 percent chance they'll catch it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Similarly, if you're unvaccinated and near someone with measles, there's a 9 in 10 chance of getting infected. These viruses spread easily through the air. This means you can inhale tiny droplets containing the virus from an infected person. Additionally, you can contract the virus by touching surfaces or objects contaminated by the virus. In the case of chickenpox, the fluid from the blisters can also transmit the virus. Related: Related: Chickenpox Causes and Treatment

4. What are the symptoms of chickenpox and What are the symptoms of chickenpox and measles? measles? When someone gets chickenpox, they will develop a rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters that cause itching. These blisters eventually form scabs. The rash commonly appears initially on the chest, back, and face before spreading across the entire body, including the mouth, eyelids, or genital region. It typically takes around one week for all the blisters to scab over fully. It's common for a person to have between 250 to 500 of these blisters. Other symptoms, such as fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, and headache are common. In contrast, the symptoms of measles typically appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Common symptoms of measles include a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and red, swollen eyes (conjunctivitis). People with measles might also have Koplik spots, tiny red spots with blue-white centers inside the mouth and on the cheeks.

5. How are chickenpox and measles How are chickenpox and measles treated? treated? Since viruses cause both chickenpox and measles, antibiotics won't help. Instead, treatment aims to soothe symptoms and lower the chances of any problems. If you have chickenpox, you might use an over-the-counter medicine like calamine lotion to help with itching. If you're at risk of having problems from chickenpox, see your doctor immediately. People at risk of having severe issues from chickenpox include: Weak immune systems • Pregnant women • Newborn babies • Long-term illnesses that weaken the immune system • Haven't had chickenpox or been vaccinated •

6. How do I treat chickenpox or measles How do I treat chickenpox or measles symptoms at home? symptoms at home? Most symptoms don't usually require going to the doctor and can be managed at home by: Resting • Staying hydrated • Stay home -no school, daycare, or work to prevent spreading the virus. • Take antihistamines to help with itching. •

7. Other ways you can manage Other ways you can manage symptoms of chickenpox and measles symptoms of chickenpox and measles Use over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Don't give aspirin to children because it can cause a severe condition called Reye's syndrome. • Use a humidifier to soothe a sore throat and cough. • Wear gloves, especially when you sleep, to stop yourself from scratching. Keep your fingernails short and clean to avoid infecting blisters. • Take cool baths or use cool clothes to ease itching. You can also use oatmeal products from the store to help your skin feel better. • Avoid eating spicy or acidic foods if you have blisters in your mouth. • While managing symptoms at home can make you feel better, it's not a substitute for medical evaluation.