Overview
Staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria. They can affect various parts of the body and can range from mild skin infections to more severe infections affecting internal organs, bones, and implanted medical devices. Staph bacteria are often found in hospitals and can infect people with weakened immune systems, burns, surgical wounds, and those who have invasive medical devices. Common types of staph infections include boils, impetigo, and cellulitis. Symptoms may include skin redness, swelling, pus, blisters, oozing, and fever. In more severe cases, staph infections can lead to bacteremia, which is a bloodstream infection, and toxic shock syndrome, a life-threatening condition.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of staph infections vary depending on the type of infection. Some common symptoms include:
- Boils: A pocket of pus that develops in a hair follicle or oil gland, accompanied by redness and swelling. If the boil breaks open, it will likely drain pus. Boils most often occur under the arms or around the groin and buttocks.
- Impetigo: A contagious, painful rash caused by staph bacteria. It usually presents as large blisters that may ooze fluid and develop a honey-colored crust.
- Cellulitis: An infection of the deeper layers of skin, causing redness and swelling on the surface. Sores or areas of oozing discharge may also develop.
- Bacteremia: A bloodstream infection caused by staph bacteria. Symptoms include fever, low blood pressure, and signs of infection in various organs, such as the brain, heart, lungs, bones, or muscles, or surgically implanted devices.
- Toxic shock syndrome: A life-threatening condition resulting from toxins produced by certain strains of staph bacteria. Symptoms include a high fever, nausea and vomiting, a rash resembling a sunburn on the palms and soles, confusion, muscle aches, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
- Septic arthritis: An infection in a joint, often caused by staph bacteria. Symptoms include joint swelling, severe pain in the affected joint, and fever. It's important to consult a healthcare provider if you or your child experiences any of these symptoms or if there are concerns about skin infections being passed between family members or multiple family members having skin infections at the same time.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing staph infections include:
- Weakened immune systems: People with weakened immune systems due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or chronic diseases are more susceptible to staph infections.
- Skin damage: Conditions such as eczema, insect bites, or minor trauma that open the skin can increase the risk of staph infection.
- Lung (respiratory) illness: People with lung diseases like cystic fibrosis or emphysema are more likely to develop staph infections.
- Current or recent hospitalization: Staph bacteria are commonly found in hospitals, and patients who are admitted to the hospital, especially those with invasive devices like urinary catheters or intravenous catheters, are at higher risk of infection.
- Contact sports: Participation in contact sports and skin-to-skin contact can lead to the spread of staph bacteria.
- Unsanitary food preparation: Food handlers who don't properly wash their hands or use contaminated utensils can contribute to the spread of staph infections. By practicing good hygiene and taking precautions, individuals can lower their risk of developing staph infections.
Development
Staph infections can develop in different ways depending on the type of infection. Here's a general overview of how some of the common staph infections develop:
- Boils: Boils usually develop when staphylococcus bacteria enter a hair follicle or oil gland. They start as a red and swollen area on the skin and may fill with pus as the infection progresses. If the boil breaks open, it will drain pus.
- Impetigo: Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection caused by staph bacteria. It often begins with a red sore that quickly develops into large blisters filled with fluid. These blisters can ooze and develop a honey-colored crust. The rash is usually painful and can spread quickly.
- Cellulitis: Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of skin. It usually begins with redness and swelling on the affected area. As the infection progresses, sores or areas of oozing discharge may develop.
- Bacteremia: Bacteremia, or a bloodstream infection, occurs when staph bacteria enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can travel to various parts of the body, causing infections in internal organs, bones, muscles, or surgically implanted devices. Symptoms of bacteremia may include fever, low blood pressure, and signs of infection in other parts of the body.
- Toxic shock syndrome: Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by certain strains of staph bacteria. It can be associated with skin wounds, surgery, and the use of certain types of tampons. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include a high fever, nausea and vomiting, a rash resembling a sunburn on the palms and soles, confusion, muscle aches, and diarrhea.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if staph infections are suspected when you or your child has:
- An area of red, irritated, or painful skin
- Pus-filled blisters
- Fever
- Skin infections being passed from one family member to another
- Two or more family members having skin infections at the same time It's important to consult a healthcare provider if you or your child experiences any of these symptoms or if there are concerns about the spread of staph infections within your family.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a staph infection, your healthcare provider typically performs a physical exam, checks for signs of the bacteria through blood, urine, skin, infected material, or nasal secretions, and may also order additional tests to determine the best antibiotic for treatment. For strep throat, a rapid antigen test, molecular (polymerase chain reaction, or PCR) test, or throat culture may be used. If antibiotic-resistant strains are suspected, a specialist may be consulted, and you may be referred to a dermatologist, cardiologist, or infectious disease specialist.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of staph infections include:
- Bacteremia: A bloodstream infection where staph bacteria enter the bloodstream, potentially causing infections in internal organs, bones and muscles, and surgically implanted devices.
- Toxic shock syndrome: A life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by certain strains of staph bacteria. It can result from skin wounds, tampons, and surgery, and may lead to organ failure and death.
- Sepsis: A severe response to an infection that can potentially cause tissue damage, organ failure, and even death. Staph infections can sometimes progress to sepsis if left untreated.
- Recurrent infections: Some people may experience recurrent staph infections, particularly those with compromised immune systems or chronic skin conditions like acne or eczema.
- Antibiotic resistance: Staph infections can sometimes become resistant to common antibiotics, making treatment more challenging and potentially leading to more severe complications. Prompt treatment and proper care can help prevent complications and reduce the risk of long-term effects from staph infections.
Prevention
staph infections can be prevented through various measures. Here are some ways to prevent staph infections:
- Practice good hygiene: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after handling food or after using the toilet. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Keep wounds clean and covered: Keep cuts, scrapes, and wounds clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors, or clothing.
- Avoid contact sports: Staph bacteria can easily spread through skin-to-skin contact, cuts, and scrapes during contact sports. Make sure to shower after sports activities and keep your wounds covered with clean, dry bandages.
- Practice safe food handling: Food handlers should wash their hands before handling food, and ensure that food is cooked thoroughly. Avoid eating food that appears contaminated, and be cautious when eating at food establishments with poor hygiene practices.
- Maintain cleanliness: Keep living spaces clean and free of clutter, and regularly launder bedding and towels in hot water.
- Be cautious during hospital stays: If you or a loved one is in the hospital, inquire about staph infection screening and follow recommendations from healthcare providers. By following these commonsense precautions, you can lower your risk of getting staph infections.
Home Remedies
There are no home remedies specifically for staph infections. However, you can take several general precautions to prevent the spread of staph infections:
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after touching wounds or using the bathroom.
- Keep wounds covered: Cover cuts and abrasions with sterile, dry bandages until they heal.
- Avoid sharing personal items: Don't share towels, sheets, razors, clothing, athletic equipment, or other personal items that can spread staph infections.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and items that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs and toys.
- Breastfeed: Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of respiratory infections, including some staph infections. If you suspect a staph infection, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment
Treatment for staph infections typically involves antibiotics and cleaning of the infected area. However, some staph infections may no longer respond or become resistant to common antibiotics. In such cases, healthcare providers may need to use antibiotics with more side effects to treat antibiotic-resistant staph infections. Additional measures include washing hands regularly, keeping wounds covered, and avoiding sharing personal items to prevent the spread of staph infections.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for staph infections, you should:
- Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions: When you make the appointment, ask your healthcare provider if there are any restrictions you need to follow in the time leading up to your visit, including whether you should isolate yourself to avoid spreading the infection.
- Write down your symptoms: Make a list of any symptoms you've experienced, including those that may seem unrelated to the infection.
- Gather your medical history: Prepare a list of your key medical information, including any other conditions for which you're being treated, and any medications, vitamins, or supplements you're currently taking.
- Bring your vaccination record: If possible, bring a copy of your vaccination record to your appointment.
- Consider potential exposure to staph infections: Note any recent exposure to possible sources of infection, such as hospital visits, contact sports, or sharing personal care items.
- Prepare questions for your healthcare provider: Make a list of questions to ask your provider, such as the most likely cause of your symptoms, recommended tests, best treatment options, contagiousness, and activity restrictions. By gathering this information and being prepared with your medical history, symptoms, and questions, you can ensure a productive appointment with your healthcare provider.