The staphylococcus bacteria are usually called "staph" for short. These bacteria live on the skin or in the nose of about 25 to 30 per cent of most healthy adults. Most of the time it does not cause any disease and people are mostly unaware of its presence. When an area of skin is damaged or there is some type of wound or other injury to the body, the bacteria enter through the injured area. The body cannot fight off the bacteria. Once in the wound the bacteria cause an infection. The infection caused by the staphylococcus bacteria is called a staph infection.
There are over 30 species of staphylococcus bacteria. Each type causes a different infection. The severity of illnesses caused by staph range from minor surface skin irritations to complicated, and sometimes fatal, diseases. It may cause pimples, cellulites or boils on the surface. Then it may cause potentially life threatening diseases like pneumonia, septicemia or meningitis. There are also some strands of the bacteria which cause staph infections which are resistant to antibiotic treatments. These are more difficult to treat. The recovery time is also elongated in these cases.
Most cases of staph infection are easily treatable with antibiotics. However, if it gets into the blood stream complications can arise. When staph infection progresses to the heart or the urinary tract it can be deadly. Managing staph infection with medicines and early intervention can keep it from getting to a life threatening stage.
Staph infection can be spread by direct contact. It is also spread in easily in public areas; especially areas where towels or linens are used in common. Since it can enter through any weakness found in the body it is also spread in areas where food is prepared or consumed. Careful food preparation is key to avoiding the spread of staph infection.
Using good hygiene practices throughout the household will aid in keeping the staph infection from spreading. Frequent hand washing practices and daily showers are two things that help prevent it from occurring in the first place. Also keeping clothes and linens and any other shared supplies washed will aid in prevention.
Simple first aid precautions when dealing with open wounds can help keep staph infection from developing. As soon as a break in the skin occurs, wash it thoroughly with soap and water. Dry the area well, and then place a bandage on the wound. Frequently change the bandage to keep the area clean and dry. Also use a topical antibiotic ointment to fight infection. These steps can help in preventing staph infection.
There are over 30 species of staphylococcus bacteria. Each type causes a different infection. The severity of illnesses caused by staph range from minor surface skin irritations to complicated, and sometimes fatal, diseases. It may cause pimples, cellulites or boils on the surface. Then it may cause potentially life threatening diseases like pneumonia, septicemia or meningitis. There are also some strands of the bacteria which cause staph infections which are resistant to antibiotic treatments. These are more difficult to treat. The recovery time is also elongated in these cases.
Most cases of staph infection are easily treatable with antibiotics. However, if it gets into the blood stream complications can arise. When staph infection progresses to the heart or the urinary tract it can be deadly. Managing staph infection with medicines and early intervention can keep it from getting to a life threatening stage.
Staph infection can be spread by direct contact. It is also spread in easily in public areas; especially areas where towels or linens are used in common. Since it can enter through any weakness found in the body it is also spread in areas where food is prepared or consumed. Careful food preparation is key to avoiding the spread of staph infection.
Using good hygiene practices throughout the household will aid in keeping the staph infection from spreading. Frequent hand washing practices and daily showers are two things that help prevent it from occurring in the first place. Also keeping clothes and linens and any other shared supplies washed will aid in prevention.
Simple first aid precautions when dealing with open wounds can help keep staph infection from developing. As soon as a break in the skin occurs, wash it thoroughly with soap and water. Dry the area well, and then place a bandage on the wound. Frequently change the bandage to keep the area clean and dry. Also use a topical antibiotic ointment to fight infection. These steps can help in preventing staph infection.
About the Author:
Learn more about staph infection pictures. Stop by www.staphinfectionpictures.org where you can find out all about staph infection symptoms and what it can do for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment