Five rashes that are not measles

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As a GP in Auckland I know that there is a lot of community concern out there about a measles epidemic, and as grandparents and carers for youngsters, I am sure that you are not immune.

It is even scarier if you act on those fears and take a child to the doctor expressing those concerns. You will likely be placed in a quarantine room or told to stay in the car or be given a mask a-la all of the freaky pandemic movies.

So I thought I would try to ease concerning by introducing you to some rules on what rashes are very unlikely to be measles in your youngster. Now, these rules are not fail safe, but I am prepared to stick by them.

  1. Man scratching an eczema on his hands, medical concept Any rash in a well child with no fever is not measles.  The rash of measles usually appears when the child is most unwell – along with high fevers, sticky eyes and feeling miserable. In other viral illness a rash can pop up after the worst of the illness has blown over – even weeks after. A rash with no other symptoms is very reassuring.
  2. A rash on only one part of the body is not measles. The rash of measles usually starts on the face and trunk then quickly spreads to involve the whole body. If your grandchild has a rash on his hand that does not go anywhere, this far more like represents a local reaction, skin infection or bites.
  3. A rash lasting for more than two weeks is not measles. The rash of measles is typically done and dusted after one week. A rash that has not significantly improved after two weeks just does not fit.
  4. A rash involving the palms of hands and soles of feet is not measles. Actually not many rashes affect the palms and soles, although hand foot and mouth, a much more common and less serious virus, can.
  5. Any rash in someone living in an area not known to have a current measles outbreak (no recent travel either).  Of course they may be the index case – but this is extremely unlikely, and the disease is rare in any case. The close connection to a known case of measles is a very strong factor when I consider the cause of a rash.

Clearly, this guide does not tell you what the rash is but may help clam any anxiety invoked but the recent outbreak. If you or a loved one has a problematic rash – then, of course, your GP will be able to give good advice.

By Dr Davis Hassan

General Practitioner 

I am interested in providing a real perspective on health and medicine and aim to focus on the things that matter when considering a health issue, and what has worked with my patients.

Read more from Dr David Hassan here