Measles Channel
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Click on an icon to view.Early symptoms of measles occur several days before the measles rash begins. These can include:
- High fever (up to 105°F or 40.6°C)
- Hacking cough
- Red, watery eyes (pink eye)
- Tiredness
- Muscle and body aches
- Irritability
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Runny nose
- Small, red lesions with blue-white centers (known as Koplik's spots), appearing on the inside of the mouth.
Koplik's Spots Image
This patient presented on the third pre-eruptive day with "Koplik's spots," indicative of the onset of measles.
Measles Rash Image
The measles rash is a red, blotchy rash that usually appears about 14 days after exposure, and lasts 5 to 6 days. The measles rash usually begins at the hairline, then moves to the face and upper neck. Over the next 3 days, the measles rash gradually moves downward and outward, reaching the hands and feet.
The measles rash will stay in an area for about 3 days and then disappear. It fades in the same order that the rash first appeared. As the rash fades, a brown discoloration of the skin may be noticed.
This picture of measles shows the characteristic red, blotchy pattern on the child's buttocks, during 3rd day of the rash.
This picture of measles shows the characteristic measles rash on the boy's face.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD