Know all about Staph Skin Infection

Skin infection is a common problem if you ignore basic hygiene. It can be irritating at the least and cancerous at the most. One such skin problem is staph skin infection. Staph, or the actual term Staphylococcus (plural Staphylococci), is a form of bacteria that often exists in healthy people without breaking out its germs. You may be surprised to know that almost twenty five percent of the general population have been found to carry dormant or minimally reactive staph in their body. It may exist in a harmless form in the foot, mouth and nose, anal and genital areas. Below given are more details on the same.

download (17)

Visible signs of Staphylococcus –

  • The most common sign of staph skin infection is an open wound. It may be a minor graze or a deep cut. If it is a wound, you may be infected with the bacterial germs of Staphylococcus.
  • Another common indication is the development of boils or accumulation of pus at the end of hair follicles, usually near the groin, buttocks or underarm.
  • Another form of painfully contagious rash known as Impetigo, which secretes a liquid that forms a light brownish crust, is a confirmed sign of staph infection.
  • When the staph bacteria seeps deeper into your skin and makes it swell red, it is another form of staph skin infection generally called Cellulitis. The painful swelling is usually accompanied by sensation of chilly shivers and nausea.
  • Infants and kids under the age of five are affected by the most serious form of staph infection known as Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS). Babies and/or kids run a high temperature when rashes and blisters on their skin break and leave a visibly red surface resembling a raw burn.

Prevention

  • Keep your hands clean at all times. This is the simplest way to prevent Staphylococcus. Use hand sanitizers or soap to wash your hands regularly.
  • Keep your wounds clean and dry. Use a clean bandage, if required.
  • Do not get in contact with others’ wounds.
  • Do not share your personal belongings.
  • Do not use others’ personal items.
  • Use hot water, preferably mixed with an antiseptic liquid, to wash your clothes and other belongings.
  • Avoid using public places like swimming pools and saunas.

Cure

  • Your doctor may prescribe you an antibiotic depending on the type of staph skin infection you have.
  • If your skin infection is severe, your doctor may make a clean incision to drain the liquid out of the wound.
  • If you use a medical device like a prosthetic, the doctor may advise you to remove it.

If you think that you have any symptom of Staphylococcus, consult a doctor at the earliest. It may be harmless yet in its initial stage, and ignoring it may just worsen matters because the Staphylococcus bacteria is highly adaptable. It is always better to heed the age old adage – “prevention is better than cure”. Many strains of the staph bacteria can grow a resistance for antibiotics. The sooner you get your skin disease checked by a doctor, the better are your chances that prescribed medicines may work effectively.