subject: Staph Infection Causes And Prevention [print this page] A staph infection, also know as a staphyloccal infection, is a common problem that can happen to anyone on almost any spot on the body. A staph infection is caused by bacteria that sit on the body and then enters through an open cut or wound. Staphyloccal infections can also be caused by touching something that is contaminated by the bacteria or by sharing clothes, towels, or bed linens with someone who is already suffering with a staph infection.
There are several different types of these infections based on the place of contamination. If the staph infection is in one of the most common areas that they occur, the hair follicles, they will make a whitehead. Sometimes they will erupt into a boil. This can happen anywhere that there are hair follicles; the face, the bum, armpits and inner thighs are the more common places.
Causes:
A staph infection is a condition where the body is attacked by a bacteria called staphylococcus aureus. The symptom is always characterized by puss-filled packets or abscesses in the infected area. Symptoms include pain and swelling for the infected person. In order to prevent this kind of infection, one requires proper hygiene.
Urinary tract infection is another infection of the urinary system. It is also a caused by a certain bacteria that enter the urinary tract. If this infection is not treated early, this could lead to the bladder infection and even worse, a kidney infection.
Here are simple steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting a staph infection:
1. Always practice good hygiene-wash your hands with soap and water frequently;
2. Avoid sharing personal items including towels and razors. These items can carry staph bacteria and can transfer it from one person to another;
3. Avoid contact with another person's wounds or bandages;
4. Protect cuts and scrapes from exposure by keeping them covered with a bandage;
One effective method of helping to protect against potentially dangerous germs and bacteria is to apply and maintain a topical antibacterial lotion on the skin. Such an agent kills or inhibits sensitive microbes, and reduces the likelihood of their transmission. One of the most effective antibacterial lotions is The Invisible Armor, an alcohol-free antibacterial skin sanitizer and protector.
Prevention:
Stop working out and exposing others and go get it checked out. Go to a physician and ask them to culture it. Why culture it you ask? If you have a strain that is resistant to antibiotics, often referred to as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), the wrong antibiotic can actually make your condition worse. It kills off your skin's flora (good bacteria), compromising your body's natural ability to fight the infection and creates an ideal environment for the disease to spread. If your doctor advises you that you have MRSA, you may want to ask to be referred to an infectious disease specialist, as some of the strains are very virulent and require very aggressive treatment. Typically if it is caught early an oral antibiotic and/or antibiotic cream or topical solution will clear it up.
