Over the last 2 years, there has been a rapid rise in the incidence of skin staph infections and abscesses. Many times these are confused with "spider bites" because of the initial appearance of a small patch of reddened skin with a pustule or pimple at the center. They rapidly progress to a large hard, painful nodule that may or may not drain a yellowish exudate or "pus".

Spiders are very shy creatures and most bites occur on the hands when reaching into their territory. They usually do not climb into beds or up into clothes to bite. Also, a bite usually stings immediately so you know when and where you have been bitten.

Staph bacteria colonize the skin, sinuses and nasal passages. These are part of the normal bacteria found everywhere. Occasionally, a pathogenic or "bad" strain will take up housekeeping in our bodies. These bacteria like close, warm places where friction allows them to be worked into the skin such as thighs, groin, waistline and arm pits. There they grow rapidly into boils or abscesses.

Treatment is very different for the 2 conditions. Bites may require steroids and rarely antibiotics. Staph infections require local care and antibiotics. Occasionally a large or painful abscess will need to be opened and drained by a health care provider. Under no circumstances poke an abscess with a needle or press on it in an attempt to drain it ! Both of these actions can cause a serious worsening of the infection.

If you have been bitten by a spider, try to capture it for identification to rule out a brown recluse bite. These require special care and treatment.

If you have what may be a staph infection, please contact your provider immediately. Other members of your household may need treatment to prevent the spread the bacteria.

If you call the clinic with a suspected staph infection, we will see you the same day.