Measles (Rubeola) - Home Treatment

Plenty of rest at home is usually the best treatment for measles. Stay away from other people as much as you can so that you don't spread the disease.

If you have measles:

Drink plenty of fluids. If you have a fever and are not drinking enough liquids, you can become dehydrated.
Take medicines you can buy without a prescription that relieve pain and reduce fever, such as ibuprofen and similar drugs (for example, Advil, Motrin, Aleve) or acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol). Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 because of its link to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
Rest your eyes often. If your eyes are sensitive, close the window blinds in your room and limit the amount of time you watch television.
Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air if you have a cough. Or go into the bathroom, shut the door, and turn on the shower to create steam. You could also try going outside in the cool night air. For more information, see the topics Coughs, Age 11 and Younger and Coughs, Age 12 and Older.
Avoid contact with people who have never had measles and who have not been immunized. You can spread measles to others from 4 days before the rash breaks out to 4 days after the rash appeared.

If your child has measles, keep him or her out of school until at least 4 days after the rash appeared. Keep your child out longer if he or she is not feeling well.

Call your doctor if your child:

Becomes confused or is difficult to wake up.
Has a fever for more than 10 days. If your child still has a fever after the third or fourth day of the rash, he or she may need to be evaluated for signs of complications, such as ear infection, strep throat, or pneumonia.
Has diarrhea that lasts longer than 2 weeks or has any signs of dehydration.
Has severe headaches or a stiff and sore neck.
Seems to feel better, but the symptoms return later.

If you or your child has measles and has not seen a doctor, call your local health department. The health department needs to record all cases of this illness.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 07, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.