Staphylococcus, often referred to as staph, is a type of bacteria that can cause a variety of infections, particularly if it enters your bloodstream or tissues. These infections are highly contagious and can spread through direct contact. You’re more at risk if you’re in a hospital, have a chronic condition, or have recently had surgery. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent getting infected.
The symptoms of a staph infection depend on where the bacteria have spread. Skin infections are most common, but staph can also affect your blood, heart, or other organs, leading to serious issues. There are different treatments available, which depend on how severe the infection is.
There are over 30 types of staph bacteria, but Staphylococcus aureus, or S. aureus, is the most common cause of infections. Different strains of S. aureus respond to antibiotics in varying degrees.
Staph infections vary from mild to potentially life-threatening. Symptoms depend on which part of the body the bacteria has affected. Most staph infections impact the skin, showing signs like pus-filled boils or pimples. These can grow and rupture over time.
Serious staph infections can cause severe conditions like blood poisoning or sepsis, which show serious symptoms. Other forms can cause food poisoning or heart infections, known as endocarditis, causing inflammation of the heart valves, among other symptoms. Staph infections might also affect areas like your breasts, bones, and lungs, leading to various symptoms.
S. aureus is usually harmlessly present in the nasal passages or on the skin, but infections occur when these bacteria enter the bloodstream through cuts, wounds, or the mouth, especially if your immune system can’t fight them off.
Staph spreads in several ways, such as direct contact with an infected person’s pus or skin, or through contaminated surfaces and objects like towels or razors. In some cases, contaminated food can also be a source.
Your risk of staph infections goes up if you have certain conditions or are in particular environments.
Diagnosing a staph infection depends on the area infected. Healthcare providers aim to identify the cause of symptoms and rule out other conditions. They’ll review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and possibly order tests for diagnosis.
Typically, antibiotics are used to treat staph infections. Additional treatments might be necessary for severe cases, which could require hospitalization. For skin infections, antibiotic creams or ointments applied directly to wounds are common. More serious infections may need oral antibiotics or IV treatments in a hospital, sometimes lasting 4 to 6 weeks.
If you have an infected wound or serious boils, a healthcare provider might need to drain fluid to relieve pain and inflammation. It’s important to let professionals perform this procedure in a clinical setting.
Preventing staph infections involves reducing exposure to staph bacteria by making certain lifestyle changes and following specific strategies, like washing your hands and cleaning any cuts.
Left untreated, staph infections can lead to critical complications like toxic shock syndrome or heart failure. Therefore, if you notice symptoms or new wounds, it’s crucial to see a healthcare provider quickly to manage the infection and prevent complications.
Staph infections often affect the skin, resulting in pus-filled boils or blisters, but they can also impact other areas like the bloodstream or heart, where symptoms can be more serious. Fortunately, you can prevent and treat these infections. Simple actions like handwashing, cleaning skin cuts, and proper food handling can help prevent symptoms. If you do get an infection, treatments such as topical ointments, antibiotics, and other medical interventions can ease the symptoms.
