What is the difference between measles and leprosy?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on September 02, 2024

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Measles and leprosy are diseases with significant differences. Firstly, fundamentally, measles is caused by the measles virus, while leprosy is caused by the leprosy bacillus. Secondly, in terms of the disease course, measles is an acute infectious disease with a rapid onset, whereas leprosy is a chronic infectious disease with a slow onset and disease progression. Lastly, in terms of treatment, measles is mainly treated with antiviral symptomatic therapy, while leprosy is treated with antibiotics and other drugs.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

48sec

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Symptoms of measles in children

Common symptoms of measles in children generally start with a fever. Usually, the onset of measles begins with a fever, followed by catarrhal symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and excessive tearing, which occur three to five days later. If a rash appears, it usually starts behind the ears and around the hairline with red spots and gradually spreads to the face, torso, and eventually to the entire body including the limbs, as well as the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Additionally, measles can cause spots on the mucous membranes in the mouth and is prone to complications like pneumonia. These are some of the common symptoms of measles. If measles is complicated by pneumonia or severe pneumonia, it is important to take it seriously.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

1min 2sec

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What to do with measles in children?

Measles in children is a disease caused by a viral infection that leads to fever and rash. It is prone to complications such as pneumonia, as well as myocarditis, encephalitis, etc., so it is crucial to take measles seriously and seek medical attention promptly. Initially, antivirals can be administered, along with treatments to reduce heat and fever. If complications like pneumonia, myocarditis, or encephalitis occur, timely appropriate treatments should also be given. Furthermore, when a child contracts measles, it is important to avoid going out since it is an infectious disease that can easily spread to other children, thus outings should be temporarily avoided. During the rash phase, nursing care should be intensified, body temperature should be monitored, and attention should be paid to the child’s breathing, mental response, and other conditions. The diet should be light, allowing the child to eat more fruits and vegetables, and ensuring frequent changing of clothes and maintaining skin cleanliness and hygiene.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang

Pediatrics

55sec

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The difference between Kawasaki disease and measles

Kawasaki disease and measles are different; Kawasaki disease is an acute systemic vasculitis, and infection may be a trigger. Clinically, it presents with fever, rash, enlargement of cervical lymph nodes, conjunctival congestion, cracked lips, strawberry tongue, and edema of the extremities. During the recovery phase, desquamation occurs, and in severe cases, it affects the coronary arteries, leading to coronary artery aneurysms and thrombotic obstruction. Measles, on the other hand, is a viral infectious disease. Clinically, it also presents with fever and rash. The rash typically appears and increases as the fever and body temperature gradually rise. As the fever caused by measles is gradually controlled, the rash gradually subsides. It does not lead to coronary artery aneurysms or thrombotic obstructions.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

35sec

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How to prevent measles

Measles is a disease caused by infection with the measles virus, mainly infecting people with weaker resistance, the elderly, or those with certain underlying diseases. For the prevention of measles, it is recommended to first avoid contact with infected patients. Furthermore, it is important to protect susceptible populations, especially women, children, and the elderly with low immunity. Finally, one can regularly take some heat-clearing and detoxifying decoctions or medicines to prevent measles.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng

Pediatrics

1min 4sec

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Early symptoms of measles in children

The initial manifestations of measles include: First, fever usually moderate or higher, with varying patterns. Second, symptoms of upper respiratory tract inflammation and conjunctivitis. Along with the fever, symptoms such as cough, sneezing, throat congestion, acute upper respiratory infections, conjunctival congestion, tearing, and photophobia can appear. Third, measles mucosal spots, also known as Koplik's spots, are an early specific sign of measles. They usually appear one to two days before the rash, initially located on the buccal mucosa opposite the lower molars as gray-white spots with a diameter of 0.5-1mm, surrounded by a red halo. They rapidly increase in number, extending over the entire buccal and lip mucosa, and may merge. They disappear one to two days after the rash appears. Fourth, other symptoms include general discomfort, decreased appetite, lethargy, and may also include vomiting and diarrhea.