What should you know about measles skin?

A measles rash can start around the face or hairline and spread down the body. It may appear as flat or slightly raised red spots that join together in places. Fever, cough, runny nose, sore or watery eyes and small mouth spots can occur around the same illness. Skin colour can change how redness looks, so a description or photograph may help a clinician.

Many conditions cause rashes, including reactions to medicines and other infections. The rash pattern cannot confirm measles by itself. Vaccination history, recent travel, contact with an infected person and the order in which symptoms appeared are useful details.

Call a healthcare service before visiting and say that measles may be possible. Keep the person away from school, work and crowded places until advised. Record the time the fever and rash began, where the rash first appeared, how it changed, and any new medicine or known exposure. Encourage fluids and rest.

Do not share towels, cups or close indoor space while waiting for advice. Read [Measles](/conditions/measles/) for broader condition information and [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) for how an assessment may be arranged.

Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, confusion, a seizure, severe dehydration, a very unwell child or rapidly worsening symptoms. Arrange prompt assessment for fever with a spreading rash, especially after travel or possible exposure. [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) and [Swollen Glands](/symptoms/swollen-glands/) may occur with infections, but they cannot identify the cause without clinical context.

Ask whether the appearance and timing fit measles, whether the person should avoid particular contacts, whether photographs or testing would help, and which changes require emergency care. Ask when vaccination status should be reviewed if the rash is not measles.