Staph
The common term “staph infection” refers to an illness caused by a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Staph is often carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people.
In fact, staph is 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). And some strains (see MRSA) are dangerous and highly resistant to antibiotic treatment.
Staph infections often show up as a red and inflamed area that may have become pus-filled, crusty, or blistered. If you or a member of your family experiences these symptoms, it is important to seek medical treatment from your primary care provider as quickly as possible. Your doctor likely will perform a biopsy on the infected area to determine if you have contracted a staph infection.
Due to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of staph, your physician will want to determine what kind of infection has been contracted before proceeding with treatment.
Prevention
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Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly (two minutes) with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
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Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
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Contact with other people’s wounds, body fluids, or bandages.
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Consider using a non-toxic germ-fighting spray on minor cuts and abrasions or if you believe you have been infected in the eyes, nose, mouth, or in any minor cuts or abrasions.
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Avoid sharing personal items such as razors or towels.