Warning Signs Linked To Measles

Koplik's Spots

Koplik's spots are a characteristic symptom of the measles that occur inside of a patient's mouth. They are named after the pediatrician who founded them, Henry Kolpik. These spots typically appear in the early phases of the measles infection along with other early flu-like symptoms. Most individuals will exhibit these spots around forty-eight hours before the measles skin rash appears, and they subside by forty-eight hours following the beginning of the rash. The appearance of Koplik's spots is described as a red ring with a tiny grain of white sand in its center. These spots tend to develop on the buccal mucosa or inside of a patient's cheek. They are usually positioned opposite of the first and second set of an individual's molars. In some measles patients, these spots can be seen populating the far back region of the roof of the mouth. Koplik's spots typically measure from anywhere between one and three millimeters in diameter. These spots have been especially useful in the early diagnosis and isolation of measles patients.