Staph

MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as "staph", are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Some S. aureus are resistant to the class of antibiotics that are frequently used to treat staph such as methicillin--and thus are called methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).

S. aureus (staph) including MRSA can be spread among people having close contact with infected people. MRSA is almost always spread by direct physical contact and not through the air. Spread may also occur through indirect contact by touching objects (e.g., equipment) contaminated by the infected skin of a person with staph bacteria or MRSA.

Just as S. aureus can be carried on the skin or in the nose without causing any disease, MRSA can be carried in this way also. This is known as colonization.

MRSA infections are usually mild, superficial infections of the skin that can be treated successfully with proper skin care and antibiotics. MRSA, however, can be difficult to treat and can progress to life-threatening blood or bone infections because there are fewer effective antibiotics available for treatment.

The best way to prevent skin infections is simple--wash your hands. Washing your hands often with soap and warm water also helps prevent colds and flu. Antibacterial soaps are not needed.

MRSA infections happen most often in nursing homes and hospitals, where people are recovering from surgery. But more and more cases are showing up among people of all ages in the community. These "community cases" of MRSA can often be treated effectively with other kinds of antibiotics.

Some common skin infections caused by staph are:

• Boils--tender, red lumps that swell and get white heads like very big pimples. Boils form on oily or moist skin such as the neck, armpits, groin, and buttock. They may break open and ooze pus or blood.
• Impetigo--blisters with fluid in them, which pop and get a yellow crust. Children often get it on the face. It can be spread by scratching.
• Infected hair roots (follicles)--small bumps under the skin at the base of the hair. They may itch.

Skin infections should be brought to the attention of your health care provider so they don't spread or cause more serious problems.

Only taker antibiotics when they are prescribed by your health care provider. Taking them when they are not needed can create stronger germs, like MRSA. And if you get a prescription, always finish the whole bottle--the last few pills kill the toughest germs.

• Wash cuts, scrapes and sores with soap and water, then keep them clean and dry. Cover them with bandages until they are healed.
• Avoid contact with other people's cuts or sores and any materials that have come in contact with them.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as soap, towels, and razors.
• Clean and wash sports clothing and equipment after each use.

• You have signs of infection, such as pain, redness, swelling and heat, and oozing pus or blood.
• New symptoms develop during or after you get treated.

You can prevent spreading an MRSA infection to those you live with or others around you by following these steps:

Keep infections, particularly those that continue to produce pus or to drain material, covered with clean, dry bandages. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on proper care of the wound. Pus from infected wounds can contain MRSA and spread the bacteria to others. Advise your family and other close contacts to wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially if they change your bandages or touch the infected wound or potentially infectious materials. Avoid sharing personal items (e.g., towels, washcloth, razor, clothing, or uniforms) that may have had contact with the infected wound and potentially infectious material. Wash linens and clothes that become soiled with hot water and laundry detergent. Drying clothes in a hot dryer, rather than air-drying, also helps kill bacteria in clothes. Tell any healthcare providers who treat you that you have an antibiotic-resistant staph skin infection.