Staph Infection Treatment: 4 Key Things You Need to Know

Staph infection is a skin disorder caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria. About 30 types of these bacteria [1] are responsible for different types of staph infections. Based on the types of staph infection, doctors prescribe suitable staph infection treatment options for you. In most cases, staph infections go away with treatment. However, If your immune system is weak, the cure may take a longer time than usual. 

Read on to understand more about staph infection on the skin and staph infection treatment. 

Staph infection sources and types

Out of every four people, one has staph bacteria on their skin [2]. They are not harmful as long as they stay outside your body. If they find an entry through a wound, they cause an infection producing an open sore on your skin or in one of the systems in your body. These systemic infections may be severe or fatal at times. 

You can get a staph infection if someone who is already infected coughs or sneezes near you or in case you touch an infected wound [3] or a contaminated object. Common examples of contaminated objects are:

• Towels
• Razors
• Door handles 
• Remote control

The types of staph infections are as follows:

• Skin infections that lead to open sores
• Bacteremia, also known as infection of the bloodstream
• Bone infection
• Food poisoning
• Endocarditis, also known as infection of the lining of the heart
• Toxic shock syndrome
• Pneumonia

Staph infection can affect any area of your skin, and if the bacteria enter the body through an open wound, they can affect various internal systems. If you do not take proper staph infection treatment, it can lead to sepsis.

Staph infection causes

Bacteria causing staph infection can enter through open wounds or when you eat food contaminated by the bacteria. Staph bacteria may enter the body by the following methods:

• Scratching or picking at pimples, bumps, or sores on the skin
• While receiving treatment at a hospital or undergoing a surgery
• Sharing items like razors, towels, or makeup that are only for personal use
• Coming into close contact with people already suffering from a staph infection
• Touching or holding contaminated surfaces or objects

Staph infection symptoms 

Symptoms of a staph infection include the following:

• Inflammation, aches, and changes in skin color are signs of a bone infection, and you may also run a temperature and feel weakness.
• Breathing issues, pain in the chest, high temperature, and coughing are signs of pneumonia.
• Swelling, small lumps that hurt and are filled with fluid, and even crust over are signs of a skin infection.
• Queasiness, loose motions, and running a fever are symptoms of food poisoning that you may experience
• Infection in the lining of your heart, which leads to signs of flu such as tiredness, temperature, fluid retention in your limbs, and more point toward endocarditis
• A sudden lowering of your BP, throwing up, loose motions, and running a temperature are signs of toxic shock syndrome.

It is not necessary for you to experience all of these symptoms. Even if you experience one symptom, get started with staph infection treatment immediately. 

Staph infection treatment methods

Doctors may prescribe different antibiotics for staph infection treatment like:

• Pills that you can take 
• Ointments you can apply 
• Injections or IV drips containing medication

In extreme cases, surgery is recommended as a staph infection treatment measure. For proper guidance, talk to health specialists as only they can study your infection and symptoms. Based on their findings, they can recommend the best staph infection treatment option for your condition.

Note that you can book an online doctor consultation on Bajaj Finserv Health for the treatment of this disease or other related conditions like black fungal infection, a fungal nail infection, or for rosacea treatment. Just search for ‘skin specialists near me’ on the platform and find the best doctors to get effective solutions to your problems. Book now!