Koplik ’s spots : These are two to three mm wide, small, red spots with blue-white centres seen on the buccal mucosa (Figure 1). Koplik ’s spots are pathognomonic of measles; appearing one to two days before the onset of the rash and may persist for a further one to two days. Enanthems are oral and mucosal rashes or spots that appear in many viral infections, particularly in children. They can be diagnostic of these diseases. Koplik's spots occur approximately 48 hours before the measles exanthem occurs. Koplik's spots disappear by the second day of the exanthem. The characteristic rash is maculopapular and blanches, beginning on the face and spreading to the neck, upper trunk, lower trunk and extremities (Figs 8.4, 8.5). Learn how measles is diagnosed by rash and Koplik spots , and how to treat it with rest, fluids and vitamin A. Find out how to prevent measles with vaccine and what to do if exposed to it.
