Staph infections are in the news again and it is important to be aware of the prevalence of this common infection.  Many people mistake the first signs of a staph infection for an insect or spider bite. It usually starts as a small itchy area or pimple, and quickly spreads to a large, red and painful lesion.Like many healthy people, you probably have some Staphylococcus aureus bacteria — usually simply called staph — on your skin or in your nose or throat. Most of the time, the bacteria cause no problems or relatively minor skin infections.

But staph infections can turn deadly if the bacteria burrow deeper into your body, invading your bloodstream, urinary tract, lungs and heart.In the past, most lethal staph infections occurred in people who were hospitalized or had a chronic illness or weakened immune system. Now, a growing number of otherwise healthy people, many of whom have never been in a hospital, also are developing life-threatening staph infections.

A greater problem is that many staph infections no longer respond to common antibiotics. Though most staph infections can still be successfully treated, it may only be a matter of time before the bacteria become resistant to all currently available medications.

Risk Factors

Living in crowded or unsanitary conditions. Outbreaks of Staph have occurred in military training camps and in some American and European prisons, killing inmates and infecting guards and other staff. Outbreaks also occur in schools, dormitories and among family members in the same household.

Participating in contact sports. Staph has crept into both amateur and professional sports teams. The bacteria spread easily through cuts and abrasions and skin-to-skin contact.

Sharing towels or athletic equipment. Although few outbreaks have been reported in public gyms, Staph has spread among amateur and professional athletes who share razors, towels, uniforms or equipment.

Prevention

Protecting yourself from staph infections can seem daunting, given how widespread and virulent the bacteria have become. But these common-sense precautions can help lower your risk:

Wash your hands. Careful hand washing is your best defense against germs. Scrub hands briskly for at least 15 to 30 seconds, then dry them with a disposable towel and use another towel to turn off the faucet. If your hands aren't visibly dirty, you can use a hand sanitizer containing at least 62 percent alcohol. These sanitizers are convenient and may actually kill more germs than soap and water do.

Keep wounds covered. Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. The pus from infected sores contains staph bacteria, and keeping wounds covered will help keep the bacteria from spreading.

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. If you have a cut or sore, wash your towels and linens using detergent and hot water with added bleach and dry them in a hot dryer. Avoid using loofa sponges or net shower scrubbers as they become quickly contaminated and are difficult to sterilize.

When to seek help:A large or painful lesion should be evaluated by a primary care provider who can make a diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Under no circumstances attempt to lance or drain what you think is a “pus pocket”. This can drive infection further into the tissues and even lead to sepsis or “blood poisoning”. Keep the area clean with warm water and soap. Use and antibiotic ointment and cover with a dressing. Call for an immediate appointment if you suspect a staph infection. 

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