| Staphyloccucus
aureus (“staph”) infections
What is Staphylococcus aureus (staph)?
Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as "staph,"
are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the
nose of healthy people. Approximately 25% to 30% of
the population is colonized (when bacteria are present,
but not causing an infection) in the nose with staph
bacteria. Sometimes, staph can cause an infection. Staph
bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections
in the United States. Most of these skin infections
are minor (such as pimples and boils) and can be treated
without antibiotics (also known as antimicrobials or
antibacterials). However, staph bacteria also can cause
serious infections (such as surgical wound infections,
bloodstream infections, and pneumonia). MRSA is Methicillin
Resistant Staph Aureus, which is resistant to a type
of penicillin, and a few other antibiotics. There are
several other antibiotics which can be used to treat
MRSA infections. There is also a very rare type of MRSA
that is resistant to most, occasionally all, antibiotics.
These infections generally occur in elderly or sick
hospitalized patients. This type of infection can cause
death.
How can I prevent staph or
MRSA skin infections?
Practice good hygiene:
1. Keep your hands clean by washing
thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol
based hand sanitizer.
2. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a
bandage until healed.
3. Avoid contact with other people’s wounds
or bandages.
4. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or
razors.
5. Keep athletic equipment clean.
6. Keep bathroom areas and high touch surfaces like
doorknobs clean and disinfected with soap and water,
diluted bleach, or disinfectants like Lysol or pine-sol.
Are staph and MRSA infections
treatable?
Yes. Most staph and MRSA infections are treatable with
antibiotics. If you are given an antibiotic, take all
of the doses, even if the infection is getting better,
unless your doctor tells you to stop taking it. Do not
share antibiotics with other people or save unfinished
antibiotics to use at another time. However, many staph
skin infections may be treated by draining the abscess
or boil and may not require antibiotics. Drainage of
skin boils or abscesses should only be done by a healthcare
provider. If after visiting your healthcare provider,
the infection is not improving after a few days, contact
your healthcare provider again. If other people you
know or live with get the same infection tell them to
go to their healthcare provider.
For more information visit the CDC
website:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html
Any questions pleas contact
the staff at the Goldsmith Health and Counseling Center
at ext. 4214
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