What is the difference between measles and chickenpox, and what are their effective treatments? Measles and chickenpox are common diseases that mostly affect children. Measles is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system and is spread through contact with the saliva or mucus of an infected person, while chickenpox is a viral infection that causes a rash in the form of blisters that turn scaly. We will learn the difference between them, their symptoms, and how to treat them.
What is measles
Measles is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It is a highly contagious disease that spreads through saliva, sneezing, and coughing. It can cause serious complications such as encephalitis or pneumonia, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
What is chickenpox
Chickenpox is a disease caused by infection with a virus known as varicella zoster. It is characterized by itchy, red blisters that appear all over the body. Although it is commonly believed to only affect children, it can affect people of any age.
Measles Symptoms
Measles symptoms are similar to those of the flu, with symptoms appearing before and after the rash. Symptoms that occur before the rash (early symptoms), which appear within 7-14 days of exposure to the virus, include:
- Koplik spots, which are small, bright red spots with a white center that appear inside the mouth.
- Conjunctivitis or red eyes.
- Fever.
- Cough.
- Runny nose.
- Sore throat.
Three to five days after the onset of symptoms, the rash appears, including:
It begins as flat, red dots on the forehead.
The rash then spreads to the lower face and neck, then to the arms, feet, and legs.
After the rash appears, the fever rises again.
Chickenpox Symptoms
Chickenpox symptoms begin with the following, which may last for a day or two (pre-rash symptoms):
- Fever.
- Muscle pain.
- Fatigue and exhaustion.
- Severe headache.
- Loss of appetite.
Causes of measles and chickenpox
Measles is transmitted through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is usually transmitted by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching their face. People with weakened immune systems or malnutrition are more susceptible to infection.
Chickenpox is primarily transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets when coughing or sneezing, or by touching fluid from blisters that appear on the skin of an infected person or touching surfaces contaminated with blisters. In rare cases, the virus can be airborne and spread to other rooms.
Is measles the same as chickenpox
No, measles is not the same as chickenpox. The main difference lies in the appearance of the blisters that appear on the body. The rash associated with chickenpox appears as raised red blisters that initially appear on the chest. These blisters then develop into fluid-filled, itchy blisters.
Measles appears as blisters in the form of flat, red spots that initially appear on the face and forehead, then spread to the rest of the body. These blisters do not contain fluid, as is the case with chickenpox.
What is the treatment for measles in children
There is no specific treatment for measles itself because it is a viral infection. However, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms such as rash and fever. The treatment plan prescribed by the treating physician includes:
- Use pain relievers and fever reducers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Get adequate rest in a room without light.
- Some children may take vitamin A supplements to prevent complications from eye damage.
- Methods of Measles Prevention
- Prevention of measles is primarily through measles vaccination:
- Vaccination is the best method of preventing measles.
- Vaccination doses: Children receive two doses of the vaccine, the first between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years of age.
Adult doses require at least one dose of the vaccine
Personal hygiene plays an important role in preventing measles:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, especially before eating and before touching your face.
- Avoid sharing eating utensils, water bottles, or other personal items with others.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- It is important to frequently disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.
What is the best ointment to treat chickenpox
There is no best ointment for treating chickenpox, but there are products that can help relieve symptoms, such as calamine lotion, which is a common treatment for relieving itching.
A doctor may also prescribe anti-oxidant creams, such as Eurax Cream, which helps prevent itching and soothe the skin, and acyclovir to treat the infection itself.
Home Remedies for Chickenpox Symptoms
Chickenpox symptoms can be relieved by following home remedies such as:
- Applying a cool cloth to the rash to soothe itching and skin irritation.
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and speed healing.
- Using calamine lotion or topical antihistamines to relieve itching.
- Bathing with oatmeal or baking soda to soothe the skin.
- Taking care of blisters and avoiding scratching the scars and increasing the risk of infection.
How many times does a person get chickenpox
Usually, a person doesn't get chickenpox more than once, as the first infection provides lifelong immunity. However, in rare cases, a second infection with chickenpox may occur. This is because the virus that causes chickenpox remains in the body after recovery and can return to cause another condition known as shingles.
Summary of the Difference Between Measles and Chickenpox
Measles is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease that manifests as a raised, red, and connected rash, with fever and coughing preceding the rash.
Chickenpox, another viral infection, causes a rash in the form of blisters that turn scaly. It usually begins on the trunk and eventually develops into ulcers.