Virus, pox, Skin problems, Rashes, Allergy, Measles, Pneumonia
Root Cause of Disease
Measles is caused by a single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus with 1 serotype. It is classified as a member of the genus Morbillivirus in the Paramyxoviridae family. Humans are the only natural hosts of the measles virus.
It spreads either through direct contact with a person who has the virus or through droplets in the air. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to life-threatening complications.
Symptoms
The first sign of measles is usually a high fever, which begins about 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus, and lasts 4 to 7 days. A runny nose, a cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks can develop in the initial stage.
After several days, a rash erupts, usually on the face and upper neck. Over about 3 days, the rash spreads, eventually reaching the hands and feet. The rash lasts for 5 to 6 days, and then fades. On average, the rash occurs 14 days after exposure to the virus (within a range of 7 to 18 days).
Most measles-related deaths are caused by complications associated with the disease. Serious complications are more common in children under the age of 5, or adults over the age of 30. The most serious complications include blindness, encephalitis (an infection that causes brain swelling), severe diarrhea and related dehydration, ear infections, or severe respiratory infections such as pneumonia.
Severe measles is more likely among poorly nourished young children, especially those with insufficient vitamin A, or whose immune systems have been weakened by HIV/AIDS or other diseases.
Causes
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases. It is spread by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact or direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions. The virus remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to 2 hours. It can be transmitted by an infected person from 4 days prior to the onset of the rash to 4 days after the rash erupts.
The virus can stay on surfaces for up to 2 hours. You can pick it up by touching the surface and then rubbing your nose or eyes or touching your mouth.
Your risk of getting measles goes up if you
- Aren’t vaccinated, especially if you’re young or pregnant.
- Have traveled outside the country.
- Live in an area where many people are unvaccinated.
- Are low in vitamin A.
- Have an immunodeficiency due to another condition or medical treatment.
Home Remedies to treat Measles
Remedy – 1: Turmeric and Tamarind paste
Materials: Turmeric and Tamarind Seeds
Turmeric is famed for its excellent choleretic as well as anti-inflammatory properties, owing to curcumin compounds.
Tamarind is considered good for constipation due to its laxative property. It helps to boost immunity as it is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Procedure:
This remedy is very useful to treat your skin problem, measles takes time to treat. Tamarind seeds and turmeric mixture can be used in an effective way to treat this problem.
For this you need to take a mixture of around 400gm to apply it to the affected area on your body.
It can be prepared in the following steps-
- Take tamarind seeds and turmeric.
- Put them in one bowl and add a cup of water to the bowl.
- Mix it well to make it a paste; all seeds should be properly crushed so that its nutrients are absorbed in the mixture.
- Now you can take it through your fingers to apply it on different affected body parts.
Remedy – 2: Neem leaves
Materials: Neem/ Margosa
Margosa leaves are known for their anti-viral and anti-septic properties. This can be used to treat your measles infection efficiently. It is a natural herb that is commonly found and used to relieve symptoms of measles such as itchiness, irritation and skin issues.
Procedure:
Margosa leaves can wither be added in hot water while bathing or can be applied on the body by keeping them on affected area for long.
Product Link: Neem powder
Other Remedies
Lemon Juice
This can be a delightful drink to freshen up your body but can also act as a remedy for treating measles. Lemon has anti-bacterial properties that helps in bringing down the infection and keep the digestive tract in place.
It aids in reducing infection caused by measles. Lemon juice can be had on a daily basis 2-3 times a day. Squeeze around 20ml of lemon juice in water for greater efficiency.
Barley
Barley can be used to lower down symptoms of measles. It cannot eradicate infection but provides relief from its symptoms. Barley can be used to manage cough; you can have it with water. Drinking barley water and adding some almond oil to it can provide you relaxation and relief from problems, itching and cough during measles infection.
Coconut water
This natural cure has several nutrients which can help cleanse the body of toxic elements. Also, it is rich in antioxidants which can help to promote a speedy recovery from measles. When you suffer from this disease, then you should drink plenty of coconut water every day because this can help you to recover completely. This will keep your body hydrated. Also, it can save you from developing fatigue due to loss of energy.
Oranges
The two most common symptoms of measles are thirst and loss of appetite. If you want to overcome these symptoms, then you should drink fresh orange juice at regular intervals throughout the day. The citrus flavor can improve the appetite and restore the taste. Orange juice can also help to maintain the water level in your body and it can reduce your risk of dehydration. Also, it is rich in Vitamin C which can help to boost immunity.
Indian gooseberry(Amla)
Indian gooseberry or amla is one of the best sources of Vitamin C which can enhance the immune system. Also, amla is rich in antioxidants and this is a reason why it is very effective home remedy for the treatment of measles. In ½ cup of water, you should add one teaspoon of amla juice. You should drink this home remedy 2 times per day for a period of one month. This can help to alleviate the burning sensation and itching during measles. Also, you can boil one cup of dry amla in 4 cups of water for ten minutes. When it is cool, then you should use this water to wash your body. You should do this natural treatment 2 times per day because it can help you to get relief from the itching and burning.
Licorice
This natural cure has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Also, it is a very effective home remedy in treating measles. In one glass of lukewarm water, you should add ½ teaspoon of honey and ½ teaspoon of licorice powder. You should drink this home remedy once per day because it can help you to reduce the coughing and it can soothe a sore throat. You should continue doing this home remedy until you have complete recovery. Also, you can have one or two licorice candies every day.
Eggplant seeds
Eggplant seeds have antioxidant properties which can help to strengthen the immune system. Also, they have a good amount of Vitamin C and zinc which will speed up the healing process. People who suffer from measles should take half to one gram or about a quarter ounce of eggplant seeds every day for a period of 3 days.
Preventions
You can prevent measles if you:
- Getting vaccinated
- Hand washing and covering the mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing.
- Stay home from work or school and other public places that are contagious
- Sanitizing the hands and used items frequently.
