Staphylococcus is a bacteria found in the mouth and on the skin. Staph skin infections can occur when the bacteria infects a break in the skin. Symptoms include redness, pain, and swelling. Early treatment is important to prevent the infection from spreading. Antibiotics and other treatments can be used to ease discomfort. Good hygiene can prevent staph infections.
Staphylococcus, or staphylococcus, is a type of bacteria. It is usually present in the mouth and on the skin surface of most people. Staph skin infections occur when a break in the skin becomes infected with one of 30 different forms of the bacteria. The most common strain of cutaneous staphylococcus is Staphylococcus aureus.
This type of skin infection has several signs and symptoms. Staph infections need to be identified and treated as quickly as possible. If a staph infection progresses untreated, it can develop resistance to antibiotic treatment and turn into a flesh-eating infection. Catching staph skin infections during the early stages helps ensure effective treatment.
Staph infections commonly begin with redness, pain, and swelling at the site. Some cases will also have other early symptoms. Abscesses, boils, or boils may also occur. In more severe infections, fever may occur during the initial phase.
If there are signs of any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention quickly. Getting immediate treatment is important to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas. Most doctors can look at your skin and diagnose a staph infection, but they also usually like to take a culture to confirm the diagnosis.
Staph skin infections, also known as cellulitis, are similar to another type of skin infection called impetigo. The difference is in the depth of the infection and how it is treated. While cellulitis and impetigo both involve infection caused by staph bacteria, cellulitis affects the subcutaneous tissue and dermis, the deepest layers of skin.
Penicillin-based antibiotics can be effective treatments for staph skin infections. More serious infections may require treatment with stronger antibiotics. Antibiotic resistant strains and staph infections that are deep in or around muscles usually require surgical cleaning because antibiotic treatment won’t work.
In addition to antibiotics, a doctor will also recommend other things to ease the discomfort that accompanies staph skin infections. If the skin feels hot to the touch, cold compresses can be used. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used for fever. If you are experiencing pain and swelling, alternating between heat and cold therapy may provide some relief.
Staph skin infections can often be prevented. Good general hygiene prevents bacteria from getting into abrasions and cuts. Wash the broken skin with soap and water and apply an antiseptic ointment to create a barrier. Under normal circumstances, staph infections aren’t contagious, but if the wound is draining, the bacteria can spread to other people. Wounds must be covered to prevent contamination.
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