Sometimes when you see a small blister or red spot on your skin, you might think, 'What is this? It looks like a mosquito bite.' Or you might think, 'It's probably a pimple.' But sometimes, even something as small as this can be something we need to be more concerned about than we think. That's what we're talking about today, which is called a 'staph infection.' Sometimes this is very simple, but other times it can be a serious condition that can even affect your life.
What is a staph infection?
Simply put, it is an infection caused by a bacteria. We call this type of bacteria Staphylococcus . There are more than 30 different types of this type of bacteria. Of these, the type that causes the most illness in humans is Staphylococcus aureus .
Think about it, this bacteria actually lives with us most of the time. Even in a healthy person, this bacteria can live on the surface of the skin and inside the nose without causing any problems. However, if this bacteria enters the body through something like a wound or scratch on your skin, that's when the problems start. That's when infections occur.
Where in the body can this infection affect?
Staph bacteria are not limited to one area of the body. They can affect many different parts of the body. Let's take a look at the main areas that can be affected.
| Affected part | Possible causes and symptoms |
|---|---|
| Skin | This is the most common type. It can cause skin rashes, watery blisters, and redness. These are especially common on the face, around the mouth, and nose. |
| Breasts | Breastfeeding mothers can develop this condition. Breasts can become swollen, painful, and develop abscesses. This is called mastitis . |
| Digestive system | Eating food containing bacteria can cause food poisoning, which causes vomiting and diarrhea. |
| Bones | If bacteria enter the bones, they can become infected, causing swelling and pain. This condition is called osteomyelitis . |
| Lungs and heart | If the bacteria gets into the lungs, it can cause respiratory problems like pneumonia. It can also damage the heart valves and even lead to heart failure. |
| Bloodstream | This is the most dangerous case. If the bacteria get into the blood, it can cause blood poisoning (septicemia) . This can even be life-threatening. |
Who is at higher risk of developing this infection?
Although anyone can get a staph infection, some people are at a slightly higher risk. Let's take a look at who they are.
- People who inject drugs into their bodies.
- People who are hospitalized, those who have recently undergone surgery, and those who have medical devices such as catheters inserted into their bodies.
- People with long-term illnesses like diabetes and eczema .
- People with weakened immune systems (e.g. cancer patients).
- Nursing mothers.
- Women who use a tampon for a long time.
- People who have had heart valve surgery.
What are the symptoms of a staph infection on the skin?
Since staph infections are most commonly found on the skin, let's take a closer look at them. At first, they may look like a regular pimple, an insect bite, or a clogged hair follicle. They may be red, filled with pus, and may even ooze.
There are several main types of skin infections that are seen.
| Type of infection | The way it looks and feels |
|---|---|
| Abscesses/Boils | Painful, red, pus-filled bumps that form under the skin. |
| Cellulitis | A condition in which the skin and the tissues beneath the skin become swollen, red, and painful. |
| Folliculitis | A small pimple-like blister forms under a hair follicle and causes pain. |
| Impetigo | Fluid-filled blisters or sores form, which burst and leave a yellow or brown crust. Common among young children. |
| Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) | This is a serious infection. The skin all over the body peels off as if it has been burned. It most commonly affects infants and young children. |
How are these staph infections transmitted?
Staph infections can be spread from one person to another in various ways.
- Skin infections: Can be spread by touching the skin of an infected person, by coming into contact with pus oozing from a wound, and by using items such as towels and clothing that have been used by an infected person.
- Food poisoning: From preparing food with hands contaminated with bacteria or eating food that has bacteria.
- Toxic shock syndrome: If a woman who is menstruating wears a tampon for too long, bacteria can grow in the blood that collects in it and enter the body through the tiny scratches in the vaginal canal.
- Mastitis: When bacteria enter the breast from the baby's mouth through a crack in the nipple of a nursing mother.
- Endocarditis: If your oral health is poor and your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart.
What should I do if I suspect I have a staph infection?
If you have symptoms of a staph infection, see your doctor right away. Especially if you or your child has a red, swollen, or blistered area of skin, and you have a fever, be sure to seek medical advice. Only a doctor can determine for sure whether this is a staph infection and treat it.
One thing you can do is draw a circle around the red area with a pen. Then you can see if the circle expands and the redness spreads. If it does, definitely see a doctor.
What are the treatments for this?
Treatment depends on the location and severity of the infection.
- For skin infections: In most cases , an antibiotic cream can be applied to the skin. If the boil is filled with pus, the doctor may make a small incision and drain some of the pus.
- For infections inside the body: Oral antibiotic pills may be prescribed.
- For serious infections: You may need to be hospitalized and given intravenous antibiotics (IV antibiotics) .
What are the dangerous things that can happen if left untreated?
A staph infection can be fatal if not treated properly. Sometimes this staph bacteria becomes resistant to the antibiotics we usually use. That's what we call MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) . This is a very dangerous and difficult to treat infection.
It is very important to use the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor for the full duration. Some people stop taking the medication when they feel better. If they do, the bacteria left in the body can develop resistance to the medication. That's when dangerous conditions like MRSA can occur.
How do you prevent staph infections?
The best way to avoid these infections is cleanliness.
- Skin: Wash your hands thoroughly. If you have a cut or scrape on your skin, clean it thoroughly and keep it covered. Do not share personal items such as towels, razors, or clothing with others.
- Regarding food: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after preparing food. Cook food thoroughly. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
- Prevent toxic shock syndrome: If using tampons, change them every 4-8 hours.
- Prevent mastitis: Breastfeeding mothers should try to empty their breasts completely at each feeding.
Take-Home Message
- Don't take even a small bump or blister on your skin lightly. If it becomes red, painful, or spreads, see a doctor.
- Some staph infections can be serious, so don't try to self-treat. Always see a doctor.
- It is essential to take the antibiotics prescribed by the doctor for the full duration. Do not stop taking them just because the pain has subsided.
- Cleanliness is the most important thing. Wash your hands often, keep wounds clean, and don't share personal items with others.
- If you suspect a change in your body, don't ignore it and talk to a doctor. Seeking treatment early can prevent serious conditions.
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