Staph infections are due to a pop in of bacteria called staphylococcus.
These germs can live on your skin, in your mouth, or in your nose.
There are more than 30 types of staph bacteria, but the most common isStaphylococcusaureus, according to MedlinePlus.
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Most of the time, staph doesnt cause a problem.
But they can develop into invasive infections if theyre left untreated.
Invasive staph infections can be life-threatening if theyre not managed properly, notes the Mayo Clinic.
Depending on what part of your body is affected, symptoms of staph infection may be contained to your skin or systemic.
Theres usually visible pus in the center of the bump.
BoilsBoils are red, swollen, painful lumps that form under the skin.
A cluster of boils that form a connected area of infection is called a carbuncle.
Skin AbscessA skin abscess is a pocket of pus surrounded by a thick membrane under the skin.
Abscesses form when the body tries to protect itself from an infection by walling it off.
Smaller abscesses can be treated with antibiotics.
Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body but most commonly affects the lower legs.
The skin might look burned or scalded.
It most often affects babies and young children.
Wound InfectionsThese infections usually crop up two or more days after youve had a skin injury or surgery.
Some types are:
SepsisSepsis is an infection of the bloodstream that leads to a widespread inflammatory response.
Toxic Shock SyndromeThis rare but serious condition can happen when staph bacteria get into your bloodstream and produce toxins.
EndocarditisEndocarditis happens when bacteria affect areas in your heart, most typically the heart valves.
If its not treated quickly, the infection can damage or destroy your heart valves.
OsteomyelitisThis uncommon but serious condition happens when a bone in your body becomes infected.
PyomyositisPyomyositis is a rare bacterial infection of the skeletal muscles, which are the muscles you use for movement.
It is not a true bacterial infection and should not be treated with antibiotics.
Foods typically becomes contaminated by being touched by people who have staph on their hands.
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Most cases of MRSA occur in people whove been in hospitals or other healthcare facilities.
Overuse and misuse of antibiotics are contributors to thedevelopment of MRSA.
Impetigo sores may or may not be painful, for example, while boils almost always are.
Staph bacteria can also enter the body via urinary catheters, intravenous lines, or other implanted medical devices.
Some staph infections of the skin are contagious and can pass from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact.
Staph bacteria can also survive on objects or surfaces, such as bedsheets, towels, or clothing.
If an area of your skin is broken, touching contaminated items can be another way to get staph.
Warm, humid environments are also breeding grounds for staph.
Anyone can get a staph infection, but certain factors increase your odds.
Taking certain medicines, including corticosteroids, insulin, or chemotherapy, can increase your chance of contracting staph.
Additionally, staph infections are more common in individuals who inject drugs.
You might have a greater chance of getting staph if you use certain devices that require tubing.
Playing a contact sport is another risk factor for staph.
How Is Staph Infection Diagnosed?
In some cases, a doctor may order certain imaging tests if a deeper or internal infection is suspected.
An echocardiogram, for example, can help your provider determine if the infection has affected your heart.
Any underlying medical conditions may also influence how quickly you heal and recover.
Most superficial skin infections can be easily treated.
But if you develop a serious infection that turns into sepsis, your prognosis is much worse.
Some minor skin infections will heal on their own with no drug treatment.
In addition to antibiotics, sometimes surgery is also needed to drain a wound, abscess, or boil.
But theres limited if any research about the effectiveness of these products.
One natural remedy that has shown promise is manuka honey.
This pop in of honey has demonstrated antimicrobial activity and the ability to enhance the effects of some antibiotics.
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Always talk to your doctor before trying any punch in of alternative therapy.
You cant avoid contact with them completely, but you might reduce your risk of developing an infection.
Some simple measures can help prevent the spread of staph.
Stay clean.Keeping your hands and body clean is the most important way to prevent a staph infection.
Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time, and shower daily.
Cover wounds.Put a bandage on any skin wounds until they heal completely.
Keeping tampons in for extended periods creates an environment that can cause bacteria to grow.
Its also a good idea to use the lowest absorbency tampon necessary tomanage your menstrual flow.
Dry the laundry in the dryer, making sure it is completely dry before you remove it.
Be careful about the food you eat.Wash your hands before preparing food or eating finger foods.
If you must shave, use a clean disposable razor.
Dont ever share razors with other people.
Wash yourself and your clothing after playing sports.Athletes should shower right after a game, competition, or practice.
Also, wash yourworkout clothesand uniforms regularly, and keep your equipment clean.
More than 1.7 million Americans are diagnosed with sepsis each year.
In the United States, sepsis is the leading cause of death in hospitals.
Learn More About Sepsis
Research and Statistics: Who Has Staph Infection?
Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States.
(11) Most of these individuals wont develop a serious infection.
The rate of hospital-onset methicillin-susceptibleS.
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Children often pass staph bacteria through dirty hands or fingernails.
Talk to your childs pediatrician if you think your child has a staph infection.
Talk to your veterinarian if you think your pet might have an infection, notes PetMD.
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More studies need to be conducted to determine why MRSA affects difference races at different rates.
To protect yourself, keep cuts and wounds clean and covered, and practice good hygiene, especially handwashing.
She is board-certified in both internal medicine and infectious diseases.
She also teaches medical trainees and lectures medical students at the Emory University School of Medicine.
Her goal is to compose helpful articles that readers can easily understand and use to improve their well-being.
She is passionate about healthy living and delivering important medical information through her writing.
Prior to her freelance career, Marks was a supervising producer of medical programming for Ivanhoe Broadcast News.
She is a Telly award winner and Freddie award finalist.
