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Sunday, June 14, 2009

The Measles

What starts out as fever and diarrhea for a week may go unrecognized as measles until the rash develops.


In the case described here, the rash lasted only 2 1/2 days, mostly covering the trunk, arms and face of the patient. The patient's eyes were pretty red also. So one of the first things was to put him in a darkened room with adequate ventilation. He mostly wanted to rest, and definitely had no appetite. It is advised, therefore, to give frequent doses of lemon juice in water to stimulate the appetite. Lemonade with mishri is very cooling along with coconut water. Continue with lots of fluids and lots of rest the first day or so along with juicy fruits such as watermelon and papaya and a little honey to ward off any weakness. Slowly add other foods while the patient is convalescing such as watery rice or mung soup or a combination of both plus softly cooked carrots or watery oatmeal.


At some point toward the end of the rash and fever an ear infection may develop. Warm oil in the ear and especially a dose of bitter herbs (Sudarshan Ghanvati) one tablet both morning and evening, along with Lord Krishna's grace, can help the infection quickly subside with no need for medical intervention.

SPECIAL NEEM BATH
There may or may not be much itching, but fresh neem leaves,


steeped in hot water first like a strong tea and then added that to the bath water is soothing.