Staphylococcus, or staph, refers to a group of bacteria.
Staph often causes skin infections, like impetigo, boils, and cellulitis. The
bacteria can also infect bone, muscle, or joints. Staph bacteria can live
harmlessly in the nose and throat of many people. Normally, the skin provides a
barrier to staph. However, if the skin barrier is broken by a small cut,
scrape, or insect bite, or if the skin is irritated by conditions such as
eczema, staph bacteria may invade and cause an infection.
Thankfully, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the
risk of acquiring a staph infection.
·
Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water.
·
Keep cuts and wounds clean and covered until
healed. Some wounds may need to be covered with a bandage to keep them clean
and dry. Change the bandage daily or more often if it gets dirty or wet.
·
Avoid contact with other people’s wounds and
materials contaminated by wounds.
·
Don’t share personal items, such as towels or
razors.
·
See your healthcare provider for treatment as
soon as possible if a wound or sore shows signs of infection. Signs of
infection include new or worse redness, swelling, pain, warmth, or drainage
from the wound.
