Staphylococcus aureus Skin Infections

Typical Staph Skin Infections

Staph aureus are bacteria that commonly cause skin infections. 20 to 30% of healthy people have Staph on their skin. Staph are resistant to some antibiotics, but all Staph infections can be treated with one or more antibiotics. Some populations, like athletes, military recruits, children, and prisoners are at higher risk of Staph infections. The risk of infection is increased when there are cuts in the skin, close skin-to-skin contact, crowded living conditions, poor hygiene, and contaminated items and surfaces.

Staph infection can be prevented through practicing good hygiene:. 1 Staph infection can be prevented through practicing good hygiene: 1. Keep hands clean by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 2. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed. 3. Avoid contact with other people’s wounds and bandages 4. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors. Employees and students with Staph infections do not need to be excluded from work or school if their wounds are clean and covered.

S. aureus Colonization About 30% of people are COLONIZED MRSA S. aureus Colonization About 30% of people are COLONIZED Average 2.8 strains /person Colonization more frequent in Newborns Hemodialysis patients People with skin diseases like dermatitis, eczema Diabetics Colonization may last for months to years

Sites of Colonization IN and Around the NOSE WOUNDS MRSA Sites of Colonization IN and Around the NOSE WOUNDS Armpit, groin, genital and perianal area, rectum

Mode of Transmission From person to person by colonized hands MRSA Mode of Transmission From person to person by colonized hands Rarely from environment General routine cleaning & disinfection of housekeeping surfaces and patient-care surfaces adequate for inactivation of MRSA MRSA susceptible to many low-level and intermediate-level disinfectants One tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of water

Community Outbreaks Competitive sports +++ Correctional facilities ++++ School + Day care centers + Families +

Prevention of Staph infection: Promote good hygienic standards Handwashing, plain soap OK Showers Do not pick, press, touch wounds, boils and other skin infections Avoid sharing personal items like towels and razors