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MRSA

An increasing number of people are being diagnosed with skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”) bacteria that are resistant to many antibiotics (drugs that kill bacteria). These resistant strains of staph are known as “MRSA” (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

What is a staph skin infection?

Staph bacteria are found in the nose and on the skin of people. Most of the time staph carried in the nose or on the skin does not cause infection and when it does, it usually causes minor infections, zits, boils or abscesses. However, sometimes staph can cause more serious infections such as pneumonia, joint, and bloodstream infections. Staph infections often begin when staph bacteria enter the body through an injury to the skin. Symptoms of a staph skin infection include redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and boils or blisters.

How do staph skin infections spread?

The cleanest person can get a staph infection. Staph can rub off the skin of an infected person or carrier and onto the skin of another person when they have skin-to-skin contact. Staph from an infected person can also get onto a commonly shared item or surface, and then get onto the skin of the person who touches it next. Examples of commonly shared items are towels, benches in saunas or hot tubs, and athletic equipment - in other words, anything that could have touched the skin of a staph infected person can carry the bacteria to the skin of another person.

How can I prevent myself from getting infected?

Clean your hands and skin often. Avoid prolonged skin-to-skin contact with anyone you suspect could have a staph skin infection. Do not share personal items (e.g. razors, towels, etc.) with other persons and keep your towels and clothes clean.

What should I do if I think I have a staph skin infection?

If you suspect that you might have a staph skin infection, consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early treatment can help prevent the infection from getting worse. Be sure to follow all the directions your healthcare provider gives you, even when you start to feel better. If you are prescribed antibiotics, finish all of the doses because incomplete treatment of staph infections can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

If my health care provider has told me that I have an antibiotic-resistant staph (MRSA) skin infection, what can I do to keep others from getting infected?

Take the following steps to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant staph skin infection to others:

• Keep the infected area covered with clean, dry bandages. Pus or drainage from infected wounds is very infectious.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after changing your bandages or touching the infected skin. Place in a plastic bag and throw used dressings away promptly.
• Regularly clean your bathroom and personal items. Wash soiled towels, bedding and clothes with hot water and bleach, when possible. Drying bedding and clothes in a hot dryer, rather than air-drying also helps kill bacteria.
• Tell any healthcare providers who treat you that you have a history of an antibiotic-resistant staph (MRSA) skin infection.
• Do not share razors, towels, clothes or similar items with others.

Page updated: 26-Oct-2007

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