A staphylococcal infection, also known as a staph infection, is a skin or nose infection that causes red sores, swelling, and possibly blisters. It is caused by Streptococci, a kind of staph bacteria that belongs to the stroma-like microorganisms community. There are about 500 different species of these bacteria in the human body, the majority of which do not cause disease in healthy people.
Good bacteria are also known as probiotics, they are a part of a normal bodily mechanism that destroys other potentially dangerous bacteria. When bacteria from another site enter the body, the staph bacteria multiplies uncontrollably. The staph bacteria will then spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and also via the skin. When bacteria invade the skin, they often linger in the region where they first began to replicate, which is often referred to as a wound or sore. Staph infections can vary in severity from mild to extreme. Staph infections can cause anything from mild skin irritation to endocarditis,which is a potentially fatal infection of the inner lining of your heart. As a result, based on the place and nature of the infection, the signs and symptoms of staph infections differ greatly.
Many individuals have staph bacteria but do not get staph infections. However, if someone has a staph infection, it's likely due to microbes they've been carrying around for a while. These microbes may also be passed from one individual to the next. Since staph bacteria are so resilient, they can survive on items like pillows or bedding long enough to infect the next person who comes into contact with them. The most common cause of staph is handling an infected object that has been in contact with feces or an open wound. Other common causes are sharing unhygienic surfaces, sharing razors and other sharp tools, opening broken or contaminated sponges, and poor personal hygiene.
If you have been exposed to an open wound or have come into contact with an infected object, your risk of developing staph can increase. Anyone who has been in contact with HPV or a virus related to it has the possibility of developing staph infections. People with HIV/AIDS are particularly at risk because they have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to infection.
Generally, most cases are not that serious. However, when it gets into your bloodstream and other vital organs, it can become life-threatening. Staph infections are often associated with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and liver problems. Staph skin infections can also affect other parts of the body and cause the following medical conditions.
Signs of staph include a white discharge that looks like cottage cheese, intense itching, and a "fishy odor". If you believe you might have a staph infection, see your doctor right away. Don't wait until you have symptoms to see your doctor; avoid this temptation. Don't try to treat yourself at home either - take the proper steps to get your health under control. If you think you may have a staph infection, see your doctor right away so that you can get some relief from the discomfort and complications.
Your doctor can order laboratory tests to determine the staph bacteria causing your infection and to help you choose the right antibiotic. If you have a skin wound, the doctor will most likely make an incision into the sore to remove the pus that has accumulated.
Taking proper care of the body, practicing good grooming habits, and cleaning all of your personal hygiene items, including towels and clothing, is the first step in preventing staph infections. You can also exercise proper personal hygiene by washing your hands daily, both inside and outside. Personal items such as furniture and bedding should also be kept clean and dry, and you should dress in loose-fitting, clean garments. Washing your hands often is also necessary because bacteria from your hands will invade your eyes or mouth, spreading staph bacteria and making the infection worse.
You should still keep the infected area clean and covered. Towels, razors, shoes, and athletic equipment should not be shared. Staph infections can be transmitted from person to person as well as by surfaces. If you're going to cook food, make sure you follow all of the food safety protocols. Wear gloves at all times and keep and sanitize all surfaces. After each use, clean your tools and equipment thoroughly.
