4 Ways to Treat Measles Rash After an MMR Shot

1. Use Ibuprofen, Not Aspirin

It can be dangerous to give aspirin to children, so you should administer ibuprofen instead as directed by your doctor or pediatrician. The MMR shot provides immunity against measles, mumps and rubella by introducing a safe level of the active virus to your child's body. As a result, some minor symptoms of infection develop. Ibuprofen helps bring down the fever that often accompanies the rash. However, you should be vigilant about staying within the recommended dosage guidelines, which differ considerably for adults and children.

2. Apply a Cold, Damp Cloth

You can treat the rash by wetting a clean, soft cloth with cold water and applying it to the affected skin following the MMR shot. The rash usually originates on the head and progressively spreads down the body. If you want to relieve the rash using this method, make sure you only rest the cloth on the affected skin. Don't agitate or rub the skin at all, as this will only make the rash worse.

3. Administer Plenty of Fluids

Though any side effects of the MMR vaccine will disappear on their own after a couple of days, you can hasten their departure by drinking plenty of fluids. Just as with the common cold, upping your fluid intake promotes the flushing of the live virus from your body. You can follow up your measles vaccination by increasing your water intake. While water is the best fluid to drink after getting an MMR shot, natural fruit juices and tea can also help. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these substances actually dehydrate your body.

4. Rest Up

The best treatment is rest. Your body uses sleep as an opportunity to heal, and the more you rest, the faster the rash will improve. If your rash doesn't clear up within a few days of your MMR shot, call your doctor. You may need some follow-up care to head off any rare complications that might result.