What Is Staphylococcus Infection?
Staphylococcus is a group of bacteria that already lives on multiple body surfaces of humans. This type of bacteria is already residing on the human body’s surfaces, such as the nose, mouth, genitals, and anus. However, in conditions where there are skin cuts and bruises, the bacteria can enter the wound and aggregate the infection. Moreover, most skin infections and illnesses, such as food poisoning, are the results of these bacteria. During the first four weeks of life, newborns have very low and developing immunity. Thus, they are more susceptible to any kind of infection. Newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit are more at risk of getting these infections.
What Are the Causes of Staphylococcus Infection?
Staphylococcus bacteria are found on the surface, such as nostrils, genitals, and anus. In almost 30 to 50 % of the cases, these are harmless on the skin surface. These bacteria will only be harmful when they enter the body through cuts or open wounds. Moreover, these infections in most cases, affect newborns or elderly patients with immature or compromised immunity. In young adults, due to their strong immunity, these infections are usually asymptomatic. Additionally, this type of infection can only spread by skin-to-skin contact. It cannot spread by air or by being in the same room with an infected person.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Staphylococcus Infection?
There are the following symptoms associated with this infection:
- Swelling around the cut or wound.
- Non-healing wounds.
- The temperature around the wound is slightly higher than the normal body temperature.
- Redness.
- Yellow-colored scabs.
- Weeping.
- Folliculitis: It is a very common skin condition that looks like small red bumps or pimples with a white head. It is usually seen around the hair follicle’s pocket, where the hair grows. Moreover, the spread of this infection can turn into non-healing sores. It is not a life-threatening condition, but it can be painful, itchy, and embarrassing. The severity of the condition can also cause permanent hair loss and leave a scar.
- Furuncle: It is a painful cluster of boils that spreads and forms under the skin. They turn from reddish bumps to tender pustules. They grow painful and large until they burst or burst or are drained. Pricking or squeezing can spread the infection on the skin.
- Impetigo: It is a red and itchy sore that usually oozes fluid from the wound for a few days. However, within a few days, a yellow-colored scab is formed that heals the wound leaving no scar.
- Cellulitis: It is the most common infectious condition caused by Staphylococcus. The infected skin is usually swollen, red, tender, and warm to the touch. If the condition is not treated on time, the infection can spread through the bloodstream, causing a life-threatening situation.
- Stye: Stye is a bacterial infection causing a bump or boils near the eyelid. Usually, within a few days, it is cured on its own.
- MRSA: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a difficult-to-treat infectious condition due to the patient’s resistance to antibiotics. It is a contagious infection spread by touch.
- Scalded Skin Syndrome: Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a fatal infection causing the peeling of the skin. Children with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to it.
How Do Staphylococcus Infections Spread?
Staphylococcus infection is a contagious condition. There are many ways that the infection can spread; When an infectious person touches or comes in contact with another person. It can spread person-to-person in a close environment such as hospitals, dorms, gymnasiums, and schools. It can spread from a person’s own body from one area to another. Warm and humid weather contribute to the proliferation or cultivation of the bacteria. People with weak or no immunity can be more susceptible to having the infection and spreading it too. People with skin disorders have more chances of getting this infection.
How to Treat Staphylococcus Infection?
If the infection is small or at an early stage, it can be treated at home. There are several treatment options available, such as:
- Clean the infected site by soaking it in clean, warm water and a moist cloth. Do not use the same cloth to clean the area twice. After cleaning, wash the cloth with an antibacterial soap in warm water and dry it.
- Apply a heating pad or a warm water bottle to the skin for 20 minutes to reduce the inflammation. Repeat the same three to four times a day.
- If the infection has already spread, put an antibacterial ointment on as per the doctor’s recommendation on the infected site.
- With the doctor’s recommendation, take oral painkillers such as Ibuprofen to relieve the pain.
- Cover and regularly change the dressing or bandage from the infection site.
- If an infection is on the eyelid (stye), put a clean and warm cloth on the site for ten minutes and repeat the same three to four times a day. Most importantly, do not use the same cloth every time.
- If the infection is more serious and the antibiotics and home treatment are not working, parents should immediately seek medical attention. There are chances that the infection site or wound needs to be drained and cleaned properly.
How Can One Prevent Staphylococcus Infection?
As per the severity of the infection, doctors may prescribe the antibiotics either orally or topically. Even after treating the infection site at the hospitals, there are some things to keep in mind to prevent it or further spread it, such as:
- Do not keep touching the infectious site.
- Try to wash your hands before and after the diaper change.
- Keep the infected area covered.
- Use a fresh and disposable towel to clean the area or a new towel at a time.
- After drainage of the wound, parents should go for a follow-up visit as per the doctor’s recommendation.
- Give a regular bath to children, and if a child has a skin condition, as per the doctor’s advice.
- Try to avoid close and congested places with children. If a person within the family has an infection, try to avoid sharing clothes or towels.
Conclusion
Staphylococcus infection is a very common infection that can be contagious. Parents should take care of their children and follow the advice of the healthcare provider if their child has this infection. Moreover, prevention is as important as the treatment of this infection because it can lead to fatal situations. If more than two family members in the same household have the same infection and symptoms, parents should immediately go for a checkup for their child.
