How is a staph infection on the face diagnosed. What are the most effective treatment options for facial staph infections. Can staph infections on the face be prevented. What are the potential complications of untreated facial staph infections.

Understanding Staph Infections: Causes and Symptoms

Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as staph, is a type of bacteria that can cause various infections, including those on the face. These infections can range from minor skin irritations to more severe conditions if left untreated. Staph bacteria are naturally present on the skin and in the nasal passages of many healthy individuals, but they can become problematic when they enter the body through cuts, abrasions, or other openings.

Facial staph infections often manifest as red, swollen, and painful areas on the skin. They may develop into boils, abscesses, or cellulitis. Common symptoms include:

• Redness and inflammation
• Swelling and tenderness
• Warmth around the affected area
• Pus or drainage
• Fever (in more severe cases)

Are certain individuals more susceptible to facial staph infections? Those with weakened immune systems, chronic skin conditions, or frequent skin injuries may be at higher risk. Additionally, people who participate in contact sports or share personal items like towels or razors may have an increased likelihood of developing staph infections.

Diagnostic Procedures for Facial Staph Infections

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of staph infections on the face. Healthcare providers employ various methods to confirm the presence of staph bacteria and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Physical Examination

The initial step in diagnosing a facial staph infection involves a thorough physical examination. During this process, the healthcare provider will carefully inspect any skin lesions, redness, or swelling on the face. They will also assess other symptoms and review the patient’s medical history to gather relevant information.

Sample Collection and Testing

To definitively identify the presence of staph bacteria, a sample is typically collected for laboratory analysis. This may involve:

• Swabbing the affected area
• Collecting a small amount of pus or drainage
• Taking a blood sample (in cases of suspected systemic infection)

The collected samples are then cultured in a laboratory to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection. This process helps determine whether the infection is caused by staph and, if so, which strain is responsible.

Additional Diagnostic Tests

In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend additional tests to assess the extent of the infection or rule out other conditions. These may include:

• Imaging tests (e.g., X-rays, CT scans)
• Blood tests to check for signs of systemic infection
• Skin biopsies in rare or complex cases

How long does it typically take to receive a definitive diagnosis for a facial staph infection? While initial assessments can be made quickly, laboratory culture results may take 24-48 hours to provide a conclusive identification of the bacteria involved.

Treatment Options for Facial Staph Infections

Once a staph infection on the face has been diagnosed, prompt and appropriate treatment is essential to prevent complications and promote healing. The specific treatment approach will depend on the severity of the infection and the strain of staph bacteria involved.

Antibiotic Therapy

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for staph infections. The choice of antibiotic depends on several factors, including:

• The specific strain of staph bacteria
• The severity of the infection
• The patient’s medical history and any known allergies
• Local antibiotic resistance patterns

Commonly prescribed antibiotics for staph infections include:

• Cefazolin
• Nafcillin
• Oxacillin
• Vancomycin
• Daptomycin
• Linezolid

For mild to moderate infections, oral antibiotics may be sufficient. However, more severe cases may require intravenous (IV) antibiotics, particularly if the infection is caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Wound Care and Drainage

In addition to antibiotic therapy, proper wound care is crucial for treating facial staph infections. This may involve:

• Cleaning the affected area with antiseptic solutions
• Applying topical antibiotic ointments
• Covering the wound with sterile dressings
• Incision and drainage of abscesses or boils

Is drainage necessary for all facial staph infections? Not all infections require drainage, but those that have formed abscesses or large, pus-filled boils may benefit from this procedure. A healthcare provider will make this determination based on the individual case.

Supportive Care

To aid in the healing process and alleviate symptoms, supportive care measures may be recommended, such as:

• Applying warm compresses to the affected area
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
• Keeping the face clean and avoiding touching or picking at the infection
• Maintaining good overall hygiene

Antibiotic Resistance and MRSA: Challenges in Treatment

One of the significant challenges in treating staph infections is the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains, particularly MRSA. These bacteria have developed resistance to many common antibiotics, making them more difficult to treat and potentially more dangerous.

The Rise of MRSA

MRSA infections have become increasingly common in both healthcare settings and the community. These infections are resistant to methicillin and many other antibiotics, limiting treatment options and potentially leading to more severe outcomes if not addressed promptly.

Treatment Approaches for Resistant Strains

When dealing with antibiotic-resistant staph infections, healthcare providers may need to use more powerful or specialized antibiotics. These may include:

• Vancomycin (often considered the “drug of last resort” for severe MRSA infections)
• Daptomycin
• Linezolid
• Newer antibiotics specifically developed to combat resistant strains

Do all staph infections require treatment with these powerful antibiotics? No, many staph infections can still be effectively treated with more traditional antibiotics. The use of these specialized medications is typically reserved for confirmed cases of resistant strains or severe infections that do not respond to initial treatments.

Preventing Facial Staph Infections: Best Practices

While it’s not always possible to prevent staph infections entirely, there are several steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of developing a facial staph infection:

• Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing
• Keep cuts, scrapes, and other skin injuries clean and covered
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors, or makeup
• Clean and disinfect gym equipment and other shared surfaces
• Shower promptly after participating in contact sports
• Maintain a healthy immune system through proper nutrition and lifestyle habits

For individuals with recurrent staph infections, additional preventive measures may be recommended, such as using antibacterial soaps or nasal decolonization treatments.

Potential Complications of Untreated Facial Staph Infections

If left untreated, staph infections on the face can lead to serious complications. Some potential risks include:

• Cellulitis: A spreading infection of the deeper layers of skin and underlying tissue
• Abscess formation: Pockets of pus that may require surgical drainage
• Sepsis: A life-threatening systemic infection that can occur if bacteria enter the bloodstream
• Endocarditis: Infection of the heart valves or inner lining of the heart chambers
• Osteomyelitis: Infection of the bones, which can occur if the infection spreads from the face to nearby structures
• Scarring: Severe infections or improper treatment may result in permanent scarring

Can facial staph infections spread to other parts of the body? Yes, if not properly managed, staph infections can spread to other areas of the face or body, potentially leading to more widespread and severe infections.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Facial Staph Infection

Recognizing when to seek medical care for a suspected staph infection on the face is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring timely treatment. Individuals should consult a healthcare provider if they experience:

• Rapidly spreading redness or swelling on the face
• Severe pain or tenderness
• Fever or chills
• Pus-filled blisters or boils that don’t improve with home care
• Signs of systemic illness, such as fatigue, nausea, or muscle aches
• Any facial skin infection that doesn’t show improvement within a few days

Is it necessary to see a specialist for facial staph infections? In many cases, primary care physicians can effectively diagnose and treat staph infections. However, for severe or recurrent infections, referral to a dermatologist or infectious disease specialist may be recommended.

Living with Facial Staph Infections: Long-Term Management and Care

For individuals who have experienced facial staph infections, long-term management strategies may be necessary to prevent recurrence and maintain skin health. These may include:

• Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers
• Ongoing skin care routines to maintain skin integrity
• Use of prescribed topical or oral medications as directed
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors
• Monitoring for signs of new infections or complications

Can facial staph infections recur even after successful treatment? Yes, some individuals may be prone to recurrent staph infections due to various factors, including persistent colonization with staph bacteria or underlying health conditions. In these cases, working closely with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive management plan is essential.

Understanding the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of facial staph infections is crucial for maintaining skin health and avoiding potential complications. By recognizing the signs of infection, seeking prompt medical attention, and following recommended treatment and prevention strategies, individuals can effectively manage these common but potentially serious bacterial infections. As research continues and new treatment options emerge, the outlook for those affected by facial staph infections continues to improve, offering hope for more effective management and prevention in the future.

Staph infections – Diagnosis & treatment

Diagnosis

To diagnose a staph infection, your health care provider typically will:

• Perform a physical exam. During the exam, your provider examines any skin sores or reddened areas you may have. Your provider can also review any other symptoms.
• Collect a sample for testing. Most often, providers diagnose staph infections by checking blood, urine, skin, infected material or nasal secretions for signs of the bacteria. Additional tests can help your provider choose the antibiotic that will work best against the bacteria.
• Recommend other tests. If you’re diagnosed with a staph infection, your provider may order an imaging test called an echocardiogram. This test can check if the infection has affected your heart. Your provider may order other imaging tests, depending on your symptoms and the exam results.

Treatment

Treatment of a staph infection may include:

• Antibiotics. Your health care provider may perform tests to identify the staph bacteria behind your infection. This can help your provider choose the antibiotic that will work best for you. Antibiotics commonly prescribed to treat staph infections include cefazolin, nafcillin, oxacillin, vancomycin, daptomycin and linezolid.

  For serious staph infections, vancomycin may be required. This is because so many strains of staph bacteria have become resistant to other traditional antibiotics. This means other antibiotics can no longer kill the staph bacteria. Vancomycin and some other antibiotics used for antibiotic-resistant staph infections have to be given through a vein (intravenously).

  If you’re given an oral antibiotic, be sure to take it as directed. Finish all the medication your provider gives you. Ask your provider what signs and symptoms you should watch for that might mean your infection is getting worse.

• Wound drainage. If you have a skin infection, your provider may make a cut (incision) into the sore to drain fluid that has collected there. The area is also thoroughly cleaned.
• Device removal. If your infection involves a medical device, such as a urinary catheter, cardiac pacemaker or artificial joint, prompt removal of the device may be needed. For some devices, removal might require surgery.

Antibiotic resistance

Staph bacteria are very adaptable. Many varieties have become resistant to one or more antibiotics. For example, today, most staph infections can’t be cured with penicillin.

Antibiotic-resistant strains of staph bacteria are often described as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. The increase in antibiotic-resistant strains has led to the use of IV antibiotics, such as vancomycin or daptomycin, with the potential for more side effects.

Clinical trials

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Preparing for your appointment

While you may first see your family health care provider, you may be referred to a specialist, depending on which of your organ systems is affected by the infection. For example, you may be referred to a specialist in treating skin conditions (dermatologist), heart disorders (cardiologist) or infectious diseases.

What you can do

Before your appointment, you may want to make a list that includes:

• Detailed descriptions of your symptoms
• Information about medical problems you’ve had
• Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings
• All medications, herbs, vitamins and other supplements you take
• Questions you want to ask your health care provider

For a staph infection, some basic questions to ask include:

• What’s the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• What kind of tests do I need?
• What’s the best treatment for a staph infection?
• Am I contagious?
• How can I tell if my infection is getting better or worse?
• Are there any activity restrictions that I need to follow?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
• Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can take? What websites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider will likely ask you a number of questions, such as:

• When did you first notice your symptoms? Could you describe them to me?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• Have you been around anyone with a staph infection?
• Do you have any implanted medical devices, such as an artificial joint or a cardiac pacemaker?
• Do you have any ongoing medical conditions, including a weakened immune system?
• Have you recently been in the hospital?
• Do you play contact sports?

What you can do in the meantime

If you suspect that you have a staph infection on your skin, keep the area clean and covered until you see your health care provider so that you don’t spread the bacteria. And until you know whether or not you have a staph infection, don’t share towels, clothing and bedding and don’t prepare food for others.

Staph infections – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria. These types of germs are commonly found on the skin or in the nose of many healthy people. Most of the time, these bacteria cause no problems or cause relatively minor skin infections.

But staph infections can turn deadly if the bacteria invade deeper into your body, entering your bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs or heart. A growing number of otherwise healthy people are developing life-threatening staph infections.

Treatment usually involves antibiotics and cleaning of the infected area. However, some staph infections no longer respond, or become resistant, to common antibiotics. To treat antibiotic-resistant staph infections, health care providers may need to use antibiotics that can cause more side effects.

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Symptoms

Staph infections can range from minor skin problems to life-threatening illness. For example, endocarditis, a serious infection of the inner lining of your heart (endocardium) can be caused by staph bacteria. Signs and symptoms of staph infections vary widely, depending on the location and severity of the infection.

Staph infection

infections start out as small red bumps that can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses.

Skin infections

Skin infections caused by staph bacteria include:

• Boils. The most common type of staph infection is the boil. This is a pocket of pus that develops in a hair follicle or oil gland. The skin over the infected area usually becomes red and swollen.

  If a boil breaks open, it will probably drain pus. Boils occur most often under the arms or around the groin or buttocks.

• Impetigo. This contagious, often painful rash can be caused by staph bacteria. Impetigo usually has large blisters that may ooze fluid and develop a honey-colored crust.
• Cellulitis. Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of skin. It causes redness and swelling on the surface of your skin. Sores or areas of oozing discharge may develop, too.
• Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Toxins produced by the staph bacteria may cause staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Affecting mostly babies and children, this condition includes a fever, a rash and sometimes blisters. When the blisters break, the top layer of skin comes off. This leaves a red, raw surface that looks like a burn.

Food poisoning

Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of food poisoning. The bacteria multiply in food and produce toxins that make you sick. Symptoms come on quickly, usually within hours of eating a contaminated food. Symptoms usually disappear quickly, too, often lasting just half a day.

A staph infection in food usually doesn’t cause a fever. Signs and symptoms you can expect with this type of staph infection include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Low blood pressure

Bacteremia

Also known as a bloodstream infection, bacteremia occurs when staph bacteria enter the bloodstream. A fever and low blood pressure are signs of bacteremia. The bacteria can travel to locations deep within your body to cause infections that affect:

• Internal organs, such as your brain (meningitis), heart (endocarditis) or lungs (pneumonia)
• Bones and muscles
• Surgically implanted devices, such as artificial joints or cardiac pacemakers

Toxic shock syndrome

This life-threatening condition results from toxins produced by some strains of staph bacteria. The condition has been linked to certain types of tampons, skin wounds and surgery. It usually develops suddenly with:

• A high fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• A rash on your palms and soles that looks like a sunburn
• Confusion
• Muscle aches
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain

Septic arthritis

Septic arthritis is often caused by a staph infection. The bacteria often target the knees, shoulders, hips, and fingers or toes. Artificial joints may also be at risk of infection. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Joint swelling
• Severe pain in the affected joint
• Fever

When to see a doctor

Go to your health care provider if you or your child has:

• An area of red, irritated or painful skin
• Pus-filled blisters
• Fever

You may also want to talk to your provider if:

• Skin infections are being passed from one family member to another
• Two or more family members have skin infections at the same time

Causes

Many people carry staph bacteria on their skin or in their nose and never develop staph infections. However, if you develop a staph infection, there’s a good chance that it’s from bacteria you’ve been carrying around for some time.

Staph bacteria can also be spread from person to person. Because staph bacteria are so hardy, they can live on objects such as pillowcases or towels long enough to transfer to the next person who touches them.

Staph bacteria can make you sick by causing an infection. You can also become sick from the toxins produced by the bacteria.

Staph bacteria can survive:

• Drying
• Extremes of temperature
• Stomach acid

Risk factors

Many factors — including the health of your immune system or the types of sports you play — can increase your risk of developing staph infections.

Underlying health conditions

Certain disorders or the medications used to treat them can make you more likely to get staph infections. People who may be more likely to get a staph infection include those with:

• Diabetes who use insulin
• HIV/AIDS
• Kidney failure requiring dialysis
• Weakened immune systems — either from a disease or medications that suppress the immune system
• A transplant
• Cancer, especially those who are being treated with chemotherapy or radiation
• Skin damage from conditions such as eczema, insect bites or minor trauma that opens the skin
• Lung (respiratory) illness, such as cystic fibrosis or emphysema

Current or recent hospitalization

Despite strong attempts to get rid of them, staph bacteria stay present in hospitals, where they can infect people who are most at risk of infection. This can include people with:

• Weakened immune systems
• Burns
• Surgical wounds

Sometimes people admitted to the hospital may be screened to see if they’re carrying staph bacteria. Screening is done using a nasal swab. Treatment to get rid of the bacteria may be given to help prevent infection and decrease the spread to others.

Invasive and implanted devices

Staph bacteria can get into the body by traveling along medical tubing. These devices make a connection between the outside and the inside of your body. Examples are:

• Urinary catheters
• Tubing placed in a vein (intravenous catheters)

Also, staph bacteria are attracted to implanted devices, where they grow on the surface and cause infection. These include surgically implanted devices such as:

• Artificial joints
• Cardiac pacemakers

Contact sports

Staph bacteria can spread easily through cuts, scrapes and skin-to-skin contact. Staph infections may also spread in the locker room through shared razors, towels, uniforms or equipment.

Unsanitary food preparation

Food handlers who don’t properly wash their hands can transfer staph bacteria from their skin to the food they’re preparing. The bacteria multiply in the food and produce toxins that make you sick. Cooking can kill the bacteria. But the toxins are still in the food. Foods that are contaminated with staph bacteria do not look or taste differently.

Complications

If staph bacteria invade your bloodstream, you may develop a type of infection that affects your entire body. Called sepsis, this infection can lead to septic shock. This is a life-threatening episode when your blood pressure drops to an extremely low level.

Staph infections can also turn deadly if the bacteria invade deep into your body, entering your bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs or heart.

Prevention

These commonsense precautions can help lower your risk of getting staph infections:

• Wash your hands. Thorough hand washing is your best defense against germs. Wash your hands with soap and water briskly for at least 20 seconds. Then dry them with a disposable towel and use the towel to turn off the faucet. If your hands aren’t visibly dirty or you aren’t able to wash your hands, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

  Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, such as before, during and after making food; after handling raw meat or poultry; before eating; after using the bathroom; and after touching an animal or animal waste.

• Keep wounds covered. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. The pus from infected sores often contains staph bacteria. Keeping wounds covered will help keep the bacteria from spreading.
• Reduce tampon risks. Toxic shock syndrome is caused by staph bacteria. Tampons left in for long periods can grow staph bacteria. You can reduce your chances of getting toxic shock syndrome by changing your tampon frequently — at least every 4 to 8 hours. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. Try to alternate tampons with sanitary napkins whenever possible.
• Keep personal items personal. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sheets, razors, clothing and athletic equipment. Staph infections can spread on objects, as well as from person to person.
• Wash clothing and bedding. Staph bacteria can spread on clothing, towels and bedding. To remove bacteria, wash and dry items at the warmest temperature recommended by the items’ labels. It’s OK if you can’t use hot water, as using detergent in your wash is enough to make items clean and safe for use. You can use bleach on any bleach-safe materials.
• Take food safety precautions. Wash your hands before handling food. If food will be out for a while, make sure that hot foods stay hot — above 140 F (60 C). Make sure that cold foods stay at 40 F (4.4 C) or below. Refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible. Wash cutting boards and counters with soap and water.

Staphylococcal infection

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Staphylococcal infection. Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcal infection is the general name for diseases caused by staphylococcus aureus. Due to the high resistance to antibiotics, staphylococcal infections occupy the first place among purulent-inflammatory infectious diseases. Staphylococcus is able to cause an inflammatory process in almost any organ. Staphylococcus can be the cause of purulent diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue: boils, felons, abscesses, hidradenitis, pyoderma. Affecting internal organs, staphylococcus can cause pneumonia, tonsillitis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, meningitis, abscesses of internal organs. Enterotoxin secreted by staphylococcus can cause severe food intoxication with the development of enterocolitis (inflammation of the small and large intestine).

Staphylococcus aureus 2.JPG

The genus of staphylococci includes three species: Staphylococcus aureus (the most harmful), Staphylococcus epidermidis (also pathogenic, but much less dangerous than aureus) and Staphylococcus saprophyta – practically harmless, however, also capable of causing diseases. In addition, each of the types of staphylococcus has several subspecies (strains) that differ from each other in various properties (for example, the set of toxins produced) and, accordingly, cause the same diseases that differ in clinic (manifestations). Under a microscope, staphylococci look like clusters of something similar to a bunch of grapes.

Staphylococci have a rather high viability: up to 6 months they can be stored in a dried state, do not die when frozen and thawed, and are resistant to direct sunlight.

Pathogenic effect of staphylococci is associated with their ability to produce toxins: exfoliatin that damages skin cells, leukocidin that destroys leukocytes, enterotoxin that causes a food poisoning clinic. In addition, staphylococcus produces enzymes that protect it from the effects of immune mechanisms and contribute to its preservation and distribution in body tissues.

The source of infection can be a sick person or an asymptomatic carrier, according to some reports, up to 40% of healthy people are carriers of various strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Entrance gates of infection can be microdamages of the skin, mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. A significant factor in the development of staphylococcal infections is the weakening of the immune system against the background of the use of medications (for example, immunosuppressants, antibiotics), chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease), and exposure to adverse environmental factors. Due to the characteristics of the immune system, staphylococcal infections are most severe in young children and old people. Immunity after an infection is unstable and, in general, insignificant, since when meeting with a new subspecies of staphylococcus that produces other toxins, all previous immune “acquisitions” do not carry a significant protective role.

Symptoms of a staph infection

Specific manifestations of a staphylococcal infection are determined by the site of introduction, the degree of aggressiveness of the staphylococcus species and the degree of reduced immunity.

Pyoderma is one of the most common purulent skin diseases. Staphylococcal pyoderma is characterized by a skin lesion in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe mouth of the hair. With superficial lesions, the so-called folliculitis develops – a small abscess, penetrated by hair in the center. With deeper lesions, a furuncle develops – a purulent-necrotic inflammation of the hair follicle and surrounding tissues, or a carbuncle – inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue around a group of hair follicles. Most often, boils and carbuncles appear on the back of the neck, thighs, buttocks. The appearance of boils and carbuncles on the face is especially dangerous – due to the peculiarities of blood circulation, staphylococcus aureus can be brought into the brain, with the development of purulent meningitis or brain abscess.

occurring mainly in newborns and young children. In its manifestations, the disease can resemble scarlet fever (a similar rash) or erysipelas (a focus of red, inflamed skin with even borders) that occurs with streptococcal infections. One of the forms of the disease – epidemic pemphigus, is a clear example of the action of staphylococcal toxin – exfoliatin. The superficial layers of the skin with pemphigus exfoliate in large layers, large blisters appear under them.

Abscesses and phlegmons are a form of deep lesions of subcutaneous tissues with their purulent fusion. The difference between an abscess and phlegmon is that in the first case, inflammation is limited by a capsule that blocks the path for the further spread of the process, and with phlegmon, purulent inflammation spreads through the tissues (that is, it is a more dangerous form).

Staphylococcal pneumonia is a rare occurrence, but due to the peculiarities of the course and resistance of staphylococci to a number of antibiotics, it is of great importance among bacterial pneumonias.
Pneumonia caused by staphylococcus is characterized by a severe course, with severe intoxication, chest pain (pleural damage), shortness of breath. Multiple foci appear in the tissues of the lungs, followed by purulent fusion, the formation of abscesses. Such abscesses can break into the pleural cavity: a so-called empyema is formed.

Getting from the focus of infection on the face, in the sinuses or other places with blood flow to the brain, staphylococcus aureus causes the appearance of brain abscesses and purulent meningitis. Brain abscesses are usually small, scattered throughout the tissue. Meningitis is often secondary to a brain abscess, or may occur on its own when a large number of staphylococci appear in the blood (bacteremia). Damage to the brain and its membranes is manifested by headache, impaired consciousness, neurological disorders, epileptic seizures.

Staphylococcal infection can also cause thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins of the brain, accompanied by severe neurological disorders.

Staphylococcus is the main cause (up to 95%) of purulent inflammation of the bone marrow – osteomyelitis. In the process of inflammation, all layers of the bone are affected and destroyed, often the purulent focus breaks out. The main symptom of osteomyelitis is pain in the affected area. Later, tissue edema appears over the site of inflammation, and purulent fistulas form. When the joints are affected, purulent arthritis occurs, while the hip and knee joints are most often affected.

Staphylococcal disease of the valves and the inner lining of the heart (endocardium) endocarditis is a serious disease with a high (40-60%) mortality rate. Entering with the blood stream, staphylococcus destroys heart valves in a short time, causing serious complications in the form of embolism (blockage) of peripheral arteries, myocardial abscess, heart failure.

Diseases caused by exposure to a large amount of staphylococcal toxins are sometimes distinguished into a separate group – intoxication. These include toxic shock and food poisoning. Toxic shock occurs when particularly aggressive types of toxins enter the bloodstream, causing a sharp drop in blood pressure, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, impaired consciousness, and later a characteristic spotted rash appears. Food toxicosis occurs 2-6 hours after ingestion of food contaminated with staphylococcus aureus, and is manifested by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases of food intoxication, the manifestations of enterocolitis may resemble those in a particularly dangerous infection – cholera.

Sepsis is the most severe form of staphylococcal infection, in which a huge amount of bacteria is carried by the blood throughout the body with the formation of multiple secondary foci of infection in the internal organs.

Diagnosis of a staphylococcal infection

Diagnosis of staphylococcal infection is based on clinical signs of the disease. To identify the pathogen, crops are made discharged from wounds, biological fluids. The basis for the diagnosis of food intoxication can be the isolation of staphylococcus from food. When establishing a diagnosis, the doctor has to differentiate staphylococcal diseases from infections caused by streptococcus, allergic skin lesions, cutaneous anthrax (carbuncle), intestinal infections (salmonellosis, dysentery).

Treatment of staph infections

Treatment of staphylococcal infections should be aimed at suppressing the pathogen, restoring immunity components, and treating concomitant diseases that reduce the body’s reactivity.

Surgical treatment of foci of staphylococcal infection with purulent fusion (boils, abscesses) has been considered the main one since ancient times and remains so until now.

The use of antibiotics in staphylococcal infections should be well thought out and justified, since the irrational use of antibiotics, at least, will not bring any benefit and, given the high resistance of staphylococci to some antibiotics, in some cases is harmful, leading to a worsening of the course of infections. For the treatment of staphylococcal processes, semi-synthetic penicillins (ampicillin, oxacillin), penicillins combined with clavulanic acid (amoxiclav) or another group of antibiotics – aminoglycosides (gentamicin) are more often used.

Bacteriophages in staphylococcal infections

Bacteriophages, viruses with a selective ability to defeat staphylococcus, can be used to combat staphylococcus. For external treatment, ointments containing antibacterial components that have an antiseptic and regenerating effect are used. In purulent processes, it is not recommended to use ointments that have a fatty base (for example, the popular Vishnevsky liniment) since fats prevent the outflow of discharge from the wound, thereby worsening the course of the process.

Increased immunity with staphylococcal infection

Methods for increasing immunity can be chosen from a wide variety of herbal preparations – adaptogens (ginseng, eleutherococcus) to complex combinations, including synthetic immunomodulators, the introduction of ready-made immune preparations: antistaphylococcal plasma or immunoglobulin. Often a simple method of immunostimulation is used called autohemotherapy (intramuscular injection of the patient’s own blood).

To improve recovery processes, with a general strengthening purpose, multivitamins are prescribed. In diseases accompanied by high intoxication, fever, it is advisable to drink plenty of water.

The diet, as for any patient, should be easily digestible with a sufficient amount of vitamins. A varied healthy diet plays a significant role in maintaining the body’s defenses and quick recovery after illness.

Folk remedies for the treatment of staphylococcal infections

Folk remedies can be used as the only independent method for non-severe forms of staphylococcal infection. These methods are based on the use of infusions and decoctions of herbs with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (chamomile, string, St. John’s wort, calendula) both in the form of rinses and lotions, and for oral administration. Infusions of berries rich in vitamins (raspberries, cranberries, currants, rose hips) help to eliminate bacterial toxins and restore the body. Thermal procedures are recommended to be used locally and only during the recovery period. It is not advisable to use heat to accelerate the maturation of abscesses, a bath, a sauna, and even more so hot baths, because of the danger of weighting and further spread of infection.

Prevention of staph infection

Prevention of staph infection includes: maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding bad habits, eating healthy and getting enough sleep. It is necessary to avoid general hypothermia and overheating, to treat microtraumas of the skin with antiseptics (iodine, brilliant green) in a timely manner. It is necessary to identify and treat carriers of Staphylococcus aureus, especially those working in health care and public catering institutions, for the duration of treatment such persons are not allowed to perform their duties.

Doctor’s consultation on staphylococcal infection

Is there a vaccine against streptococcal infection?

Answer: there is a so-called staphylococcal toxoid, which after administration causes the formation of antitoxic antibodies, there are no vaccines that stimulate the production of antibacterial immunity.

I often get boils (carbuncles, pimples, etc.). What do you need to drink to pass?

Answer: in case of manifestations of chronic staphylococcal infection, self-treatment is not allowed. It is necessary to consult a doctor – the treatment of the infection should be prescribed individually after a detailed examination, it is also necessary to undergo treatment under the supervision of a doctor.

I have dysbacteriosis, I was diagnosed with Staphylococcus aureus, and an antibiotic was prescribed. How long should it be taken?

Answer: Treatment of carriage of Staphylococcus aureus with antibiotics is inappropriate. It is desirable to use staphylococcal bacteriophage and immunization with staphylococcal toxoid. Antibiotic treatment of dysbacteriosis with a high content of staphylococcus is completely contraindicated, as this will lead to the opposite result – more intensive reproduction of staphylococcus

Physician Sokov S.V.

Material from the site Medicalj

Symptoms and treatment of Staphylococcus aureus in adults and children – clinic “Dobrobut”

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Medical Library Dobrobut

Publication date: 2020-01-04

Staphylococcus aureus – signs and treatment. Symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus in the intestines in adults

Staphylococcus aureus is an aerobic bacterium characterized by a spherical shape and immobility. It can provoke the development of various diseases in children. It is extremely rare in adults. An analysis for Staphylococcus aureus will help to identify its presence in the environment – on toys and utensils, bedding and human skin, both completely healthy and sick.

Classification of infection

In medicine, two forms of staphylococcal infection are distinguished – generalized and focal. In the first case, we are talking about sepsis, when all systems and organs are infected with staphylococcus aureus. Sepsis is a dangerous condition that often ends in death even in the presence of qualified medical care.

The focal form of staphylococcal infection is more often diagnosed when diseases of the skin, bone tissue, and joints are detected. Separately, doctors distinguish food poisoning with toxins – with the characteristic symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus in the intestines in adults.

Staphylococcal infection can be mild, moderate or severe, acute or chronic.

Symptoms of a staphylococcal infection

An aerobic bacterium can be found on the surface of the skin even in a healthy person, so its presence should not be surprising. The infection will develop only if provoking factors “work” – reduced immunity, viral disease, surgery, trauma, sexual infection, and so on. It is generally accepted that after a laboratory study of crops of biomaterial taken from different parts of the body, it is possible to identify the true threat of the presence of staphylococcus aureus. Doctors distinguish several degrees of presence of colonies of aerobic bacteria. If colonies are found within 10, and the degree is 6, then this is the highest limit of the norm. Higher rates will indicate a pronounced pathology. Having received the result of the analysis “Staphylococcus aureus on the skin 10 to the degree 5”, there is no need to worry – the treatment will be short and always with a positive result.

The diseases caused by the aerobic bacterium in question do not have any distinguishing features. If Staphylococcus aureus affects the throat, then a person may develop tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis, characterized by a severe course with high body temperature and severe weakness. Diseases of the respiratory group with frequent relapses are considered the main sign of the presence of bacteria in the throat.

In addition, Staphylococcus aureus can be detected:

• in bone tissue – the infection penetrates through fractures or severe wounds;
• in boils, carbuncles and abscesses – as a rule, the hair follicle becomes infected, and the inflammation process starts again and again even against the background of ongoing treatment;
• on the skin – the child develops rashes, dermatitis.

Staphylococcus aureus is often found in the feces of an infant. It can be diagnosed even in the maternity hospital – infection occurs during difficult childbirth against the background of reduced immunity in premature babies or infants with congenital pathologies.

The most serious condition when infected with an aerobic bacterium is toxic shock. It is distinguished by characteristic symptoms – a sharp increase in temperature to critical levels, nausea, acute pain in the head, a rash on the body, and the appearance of purulent discharge from existing wounds. In this case, no research is carried out – only Staphylococcus aureus can cause this condition. Urgent therapy is prescribed.

Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus

Antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus are not always effective, so they are prescribed only at the initial stage of the disease. Only the latest generation antibiotics – cephalosporins and others of the non-penicillin series will be effective.

Most doctors use combination therapy. If treatment of Staphylococcus aureus in the throat of a child is required, then the following will be prescribed:

• treatment of the mucous membrane with antiseptic solutions – chlorphyllipt;
• immunostimulating drugs;
• antistaphylococcal bacteriophage.

Many are interested in how to cure Staphylococcus aureus in the throat, which causes frequent sore throats, laryngitis, tonsillitis. You can’t do without doctor’s prescriptions – the usual medications do not help or give a short-term effect of recovery. The specialist will give recommendations on the treatment of the pharyngeal mucosa with antiseptic solutions, conduct a study on the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics and make medication prescriptions.

Most often, colonies of the bacteria in question are found in the nose – they can stay there for years and do not cause any diseases. If the child often catches a cold, has a lag in growth and development, then chronic pathologies cannot be avoided. How to treat Staphylococcus aureus in the nose in children:

• hospitalize the child in a medical institution;
• carry out daily sanitation of the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa, as there is a high risk of infection spreading;
• follow your doctor’s orders for severe symptoms.

Regardless of which organ is affected by staphylococcus, vitamins, immunomodulators and probiotics will be prescribed to restore the intestinal microflora.

The duration of treatment for staphylococcal infection is from 7 to 30 days, which depends on the timely diagnosis of the disease and the detection of large bacterial colonies. If the therapy is carried out in strict observance of the prescriptions of the attending physician, then the prognosis for the disease is favorable.

More information about how Staphylococcus aureus is transmitted and what symptoms indicate the presence of aerobic bacteria can be found on our website Dobrobut.com.

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