Staph infection is a common, yet dangerous, condition that can cause a great deal of harm if left untreated. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 causes of staph infection.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have contracted this illness, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What Is A Staph Infection?
A staph infection is a bacterial infection that can occur anywhere on the body. Infections are caused by more than 30 subspecies of Staphylococcus bacteria.
Staph infections are usually caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This bacteria is found on the skin and in the nose of healthy people.
It only becomes a problem when it enters the body through a cut or scrapes in the skin. The bacteria can also be spread from person to person through contact with infected wounds or objects.
The most common type of staph infection is impetigo, which is a skin infection. Other types of staph infections include:
Cellulitis
This deep skin infection occurs when the bacteria enter through a cut or scrape in the skin.
Folliculitis
This is an infection of the hair follicles that can cause red, itchy bumps on the skin.
Boils
These are pus-filled bumps that form when the bacteria infect a hair follicle or oil gland.
Food Poisoning
This can occur when food contaminated with staph bacteria is eaten.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
This is a life-threatening condition that can occur when the bacteria enter the bloodstream.
Some people are more likely to get staph infections than others. People with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or eczema are at increased risk of developing staph infections. People who live in close quarters, such as nursing homes or daycare centers, are also at increased risk.
10 Causes of Staph Infection
Most staph infections are caused by a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria is often found on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. It can also be found in other places, such as:
- Animal bites or scratches
- Open wounds or cuts
- Surgery sites
- Weakened immune system
- Intravenous (IV) catheters or other medical devices that enter through the skin
- Contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs, and countertops, Close contact with someone who has a staph infection
- Crowded living conditions
- Staph Infections Spread by Poor hygiene
- Swimming in contaminated water
- Having certain health conditions
Most staph infections are mild and can be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines. However, some types of staph bacteria can cause more serious infections, such as:
- Blood poisoning (sepsis)
- Toxic shock syndrome
- Pneumonia
- Bone or joint infections
- Skin infections, such as cellulitis, impetigo, or MRSA
Symptoms Of Staph Infection
If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor right away. You may need to be hospitalized and treated with antibiotics. Prevention is the best way to avoid getting a staph infection. Here are some tips:
- Wash your hands often, especially before you eat.
- Don’t share personal items, such as towels, razors, or makeup.
- Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until they heal.
- Don’t touch other people’s wounds or bandages.
- Don’t put anything that has come into contact with someone else’s wound into your mouth.
- If you have a cut or scrape, avoid coming into contact with other people’s skin. This includes shaking hands, hugging, or kissing.
If you have a medical device, such as an IV catheter, make sure it is inserted and removed properly by a healthcare professional. Follow all instructions for care and cleaning of the device. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider.
What Is MRSA?
MRSA is short for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and it’s a type of staph infection that is resistant to many antibiotics. This makes MRSA difficult to treat, and it can often lead to serious or even life-threatening infections.
MRSA is usually spread through skin-to-skin contact, so it’s important to practice good hygiene and avoid sharing personal items with others. If you have a cut or wound, it’s important to keep it clean and covered to prevent the spread of MRSA.
If you think you may have an infection with MRSA, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are the best way to avoid complications from this serious infection.
Treatment Of Staphylococcal Infections
Staphylococcus aureus Infections are treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic will be determined by the severity of the infection and the type of bacteria causing it.
- For milder infections, oral antibiotics may be prescribed. More severe infections may require intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
- In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to remove infected tissue or drainage abscesses.
It is important to finish the entire course of antibiotics even if you are feeling better. Stopping treatment early can allow the infection to return and potentially become resistant to future antibiotic treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Prevention Of Staph Infection
- Wash your hands often, especially before you eat.
- Don’t share personal items, such as towels, razors, or makeup.
- Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until they heal.
- Don’t touch other people’s wounds or bandages.
- Don’t put anything that has come into contact with someone else’s wound into your mouth.
- If you have a cut or scrape, avoid coming into contact with other people’s skin. This includes shaking hands, hugging, or kissing.
If you have a medical device, such as an IV catheter, make sure it is inserted and removed properly by a healthcare professional.
Follow all instructions for care and cleaning of the device. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider.
Staph infections can be serious, but they are usually easy to treat. With some simple precautions, you can help prevent them from spreading.
If you think you may have a staph infection, see your doctor right away. Early treatment can help avoid more serious health problems.
Conclusion
Staph infections are caused by a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, and they can range from mild to serious. MRSA is a type of staph infection that is resistant to many antibiotics, making it difficult to treat.
There are several different ways you can contract a staph infection, and the best way to avoid complications is to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are the best way to avoid serious or even life-threatening complications from a staph infection.
