Staph Infection

Staph infections are common, affecting many segments of the population over time.  They are especially common and hardy in environments where people live in close proximity, and share showering, bathing, and eating facilities.  Recently, Methicillin-resistant Staphyloccoccus aureus (MRSA) has increased it's presence as a cause of some skin infections and some invasive infections in otherwise healthy individuals.  While these conditions are being actively studied, little is known about the origins and epidemiology of these infections.  They are often referred to as "Superbugs" due to their resilience to traditional antibiotic therapies.   Many people may have had MRSA infections, and mistaken them for spiderbites, as they do appear very similar. 

While we don't know as much as we'd like to about epidemiology and cause of staph infections, we do know some key prevention measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of the spread of this type of infection. 

1.Keep wounds that are draining covered with clean, dry bandages.

2.Clean hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol based hand gel (if hands are not visibly soiled).  Always clean hands immediately after touching infected skin or any item that has come in direct contact with a draining wound.

3.Maintain good general hygiene with regular bathing.

4.Do not share items that may become contaminated with wound drainage, such as towels, clothing, bedding, bar soap, razors and athletic equipment that touches the skin.

5.Launder clothing that has come in contact with wound drainage after each use and dry thoroughly.

6.If you are not able to keep your wound covered with a clean, dry bandage at all tiems, do not participate in activities where you have skin to skin contact with other persons (such as athletic activites) until your wound is healed.

7.Clean equipment and other environmental surfaces with which multiple individuals have bare skin contact (such as showers, sinks, locker room benches, etc.) with an over the counter detergent/disinfectant that specifies Staphylococcus aureus on the product label and is suitable for the type of surface being cleaned.

As always, if you have any concerns that a lesion on your skin may be infected with this type of bacteria, consult your health care provider.

Source:  Centers for Disease Control:  www.cdc.gov/mrsa