Staph infections are caused by a bacteria called staphylococcus. There are more than 30 types of staphylococcus bacteria. All are a bacterium commonly found on the skin and in the nose of about 30% of individuals. Most of the time staph does not cause any harm, but it can sometimes cause infections – sometimes serious infections.
Is MRSA different?
Several different types of staph can cause infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is a type of staph that can be resistant to antibiotics. Anyone can get a MRSA infection or carry MRSA. The risk increases for people who have been in the hospital or a nursing home, had skin-to-skin contact with others (such as in contact sports) or have been in crowded or unhygienic places.
Although MRSA is often better known, any staph infection can be dangerous, even if it is not resistant to antibiotics. Other types include:
- Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus(MSSA)
- Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA)
- Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA)
How do you contract staph?
Staph bacteria can cause infections when they enter the body through:
- Skin breaks: Cuts, wounds, abrasions, or eczema
- Medical devices: Catheters, implants, or surgical sites
- Intravenous drug use: Sharing needles or contaminated equipment
- Close contact: Touching an infected person or contaminated surfaces
- Poor hygiene: Not washing hands frequently or properly
- Contaminated food or objects: Towels, clothing or sports equipment
What are the risk factors for getting a staph infection?
Generally, people are at greater risk of staph infections if they have chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, cancer, vascular disease, etc.) or inject drugs.
In health care, the risk of more serious staph infection is higher for patients:
- In intensive care units (ICUs)
- Who have undergone certain types of surgeries
- With medical devices inserted in their bodies
- With weakened immune symptoms
What are the warning signs of a staph infection?
Skin infections
Staph infections can look like pimples, boils or other skin conditions.
- Boils. The most common type of staph infection is the boil. This is a pocket of pus that develops in a hair follicle or oil gland. The skin over the infected area usually becomes red and swollen.
- Impetigo. This contagious, often painful rash can be caused by staph bacteria. Impetigo usually has large blisters that may ooze fluid and develop a honey-colored crust.
- Cellulitis. Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of skin. It causes redness and swelling on the surface of your skin. Sores or areas of oozing discharge may develop, too.
Food poisoning
Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of food poisoning. The bacteria multiply in food and produce toxins that make you sick. Symptoms come on quickly, usually within hours of eating contaminated food. Symptoms usually disappear quickly, too, often lasting just half a day.
A staph infection in food usually doesn’t cause fever. Signs and symptoms you can expect with this type of staph infection include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Low blood pressure
Bacteremia
Also known as a bloodstream infection, bacteremia occurs when staph bacteria enter the bloodstream. A fever and low blood pressure are signs of bacteremia. The bacteria can travel to locations deep within your body to cause infections that affect:
- Internal organs, such as your brain (meningitis), heart (endocarditis) or lungs (pneumonia)
- Bones and muscles
- Surgically implanted devices, such as artificial joints or cardiac pacemakers
How do doctors treat staph?
Health care providers can treat most staph infections with antibiotics. If you are being treated, take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and tell your clinician if you have any side effects, such as diarrhea.
How do you avoid staph infections?
- Tell your health care provider about any recent care.
- Know the signs and symptoms of infection. Some skin infections appear as redness, pain or drainage at the IV catheter site or surgery site. Skin infections usually come with a fever, too. Tell your health care provider if you think you have an infection or if your infection is getting worse.
- If hospitalized, remind staff and visitors to keep their hands clean, and allow people to clean your room.
- Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with bandages or dressing until healed.
- Do not pick at a sore.
- Use barriers, like a towel or clothing, between your skin and shared surfaces.
- Keep frequently used items clean, such as computer keyboards or handheld electronic devices.
- Regularly clean surfaces that contact people’s bare skin like desks, chairs, benches, gym equipment, lockers, faucets, light switches, and remote controls.
Remember, a potential staph infection should not be ignored. See your clinician right away if you suspect you may have an infection. Go to your health care provider if you have:
- An area of red, irritated or painful skin
- Pus-filled blisters
- Fever
At WellMed, we provide personalized primary care for people with Medicare. Our doctors listen with care and compassion, building strong relationships that empower you at every step. Our goal is simple; to provide the best care so you can live your best life.
Resources
Tips for Being a Safe Patient | Patient Safety | CDC
