Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria that about 30% of people carry on their skin or in their noses without getting sick. But sometimes it infects the body and causes illness. Infections like boils, abscesses, wound infections, and yes the dreaded staph skin infection are all caused by Staph aureus.
Is staphylococcus aureus an STD? Read on to learn all about this sneaky bacteria, how to know if your infection is Staph versus something else, what stages the infection goes through, how it’s diagnosed, and the best treatments so you can knock it out fast and get back to your normal routine.
What Is Staphylococcus Aureus?
Staph aureus is a type of bacteria commonly found on the skin or in the noses of healthy people. However, it can cause infections if it enters the body through breaks in the skin, surgical incisions, catheters, or other medical devices. These infections can become serious if left untreated. Staphylococcus aureus is the most dangerous of all of the many common staphylococcal bacteria.
Staph aureus is adaptable and can survive extreme conditions. It is often resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants, allowing it to persist in hospitals and healthcare settings. Staph aureus produces a variety of toxins and enzymes that allow it to adhere to tissues, avoid the immune system, and spread throughout the body.
Is Staphylococcus Aureus an STD?
While staph aureus can be transmitted through close contact, it is not traditionally considered an STD. However, Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can infect the genital area, as it lives on the skin and in the noses of many healthy people. If you have a staph infection of the genital area, it’s usually from bacteria on your own body.
Still, staph bacteria can be passed between sexual partners through close skin-to-skin contact and exposure to infected body fluids. Casual contact like touching, kissing, or sharing linens will typically not lead to infection. Using protection and maintaining good hygiene can help reduce this risk.
Some signs of a staph genital infection include painful urination, genital swelling, and pus-filled blisters. See your doctor right away for an exam and proper treatment like antibiotics. They can test to determine if the infection is from staph bacteria and check for other possible STDs.
Stages of a Staphylococcus Aureus Infection
Staph infections typically start with the bacteria entering the body through breaks in the skin or the mucous membranes. Once Staph establishes itself on human tissues, it moves into the infection stage. This stage is characterized by symptoms like swelling, redness, and pus formation.
As the infection progresses, Staph can enter the bloodstream and spread to other areas of the body. This can lead to a variety of complications, including abscess formation, pneumonia, or blood poisoning. At this point, early diagnosis and treatment is critical to avoid life-threatening consequences.
Who Does Staph Infection Affect?
Staph infection can affect people of all ages, from babies to elderly . However, some groups are more susceptible:
Newborn babies:
Newborns have weak immune systems, so they’re prone to staph infections like impetigo, which causes blisters and sores. Staph can also lead to pneumonia or meningitis in babies.
Elderly people:
Older adults also have weaker immune function and often have chronic health conditions or wounds that allow staph to enter the body. This puts them at higher risk of life-threatening staph infections like bacteremia or endocarditis.
Hospital patients:
Those in hospitals or long-term care facilities are in close contact with many people and equipment that can transmit staph. They may also have IVs, catheters or surgical incisions through which staph can enter.
Diabetics:
High blood sugar impairs immune function and wound healing in diabetics. This makes them more prone to staph skin infections and other complications like staph foot ulcers.
Athletes:
Athletes may get staph skin infections from direct skin-to-skin contact, shared equipment, or open wounds. Staph can lead to impetigo or a serious condition called MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
Healthcare workers:
Doctors, nurses and others in close contact with infected patients or contaminated surfaces are at risk of staph transmission. Proper hand hygiene and sanitation are critical to avoid infection.
Homeless or incarcerated people:
Living in crowded, unsanitary conditions puts people at higher risk of staph exposure and infection due to close contact and poor access to healthcare.
IV drug users:
Sharing needles or equipment to inject drugs can transmit staph and other pathogens, often leading to skin and soft tissue infections, endocarditis, and sepsis.
What Kinds of Staph Infections Do Children Get?
Children are particularly susceptible to staph infections, especially skin infections. The most common types kids get are:
Impetigo:
This is a highly contagious skin infection that causes blisters and crusty sores, usually around the mouth and nose. It’s spread by direct contact and scratching. Impetigo is treated with antibiotic creams or oral medication.
Cellulitis:
This infection causes red, painful swelling of the skin and tissues underneath. It can develop from a cut, scrape, or insect bite. Cellulitis requires oral antibiotics to clear up the infection and reduce inflammation.
Abscesses:
Staph bacteria can get trapped deep in the skin and form a pocket of pus called an abscess. Abscesses are swollen, painful, and warm to the touch. They need to be drained by a doctor and treated with antibiotics.
Pneumonia:
In rare cases, staph can cause pneumonia when bacteria enter the lungs. This can lead to coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics are typically required to treat staph pneumonia.
The key is to recognize symptoms early and get medical care right away. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most staph infections in children can be cleared up quickly. Practicing good hygiene like hand washing, keeping cuts and scrapes clean, and not sharing personal items can also help prevent staph infections.
How Common is Staph Infection in Nigeria?
Staph infections are quite common in Nigeria, especially in crowded, unhygienic living conditions. According to several studies, the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus infections in Nigeria ranges from 9.2% to as high as 55% depending on the population. A study of post-surgical wound infections in Lagos found S. aureus in 34% of cases. Another study of eye infections in Ibadan reported 33% of cases were due to S. aureus.
The high rates of staph infections are linked to lack of access to clean water for hand washing, overcrowding in homes and healthcare facilities, and inadequate sanitation systems in many areas of Nigeria. Controlling the spread of staph infections in Nigeria will require improving hygiene, access to clean water, reducing overcrowding, and education on infection prevention.
How Do People Get Staph Infection?
You can pick up a staph infection through direct contact with an infected person. Staph bacteria, including MRSA, live on the skin or in the noses of about 1 in 3 people. Most of the time, staph does not cause any harm. However, the bacteria can enter the body through breaks in the skin, surgical incisions, catheters, or other medical devices. This can lead to an infection.
Some common ways people get staph infections include:
- Contact with infected skin: Touching the skin of someone who has a staph infection can transfer the bacteria.
- Sharing personal items: Using razors, towels, sports equipment, or other items used by someone with staph can spread the infection.
- Poor hygiene: Not properly washing hands or showering can allow staph bacteria to grow and enter the body.
- Medical procedures: Surgery, dialysis, catheter use, or other medical devices can create entry points for staph to enter the body.
- Skin conditions: Rashes, burns, acne, or other skin problems make it easier for staph to infect the skin.
- Sports activities: Activities where there is skin-to-skin contact or shared equipment like wrestling, football, and basketball increase the risk.
- Injecting drugs: Using needles and syringes to inject drugs can introduce staph bacteria into the bloodstream.
- Living in close quarters: People living in crowded or unsanitary conditions like prisons, dorms, or military barracks are at higher risk of staph infection.
The key is practicing good hygiene like washing hands and properly caring for any breaks in the skin to avoid getting a staph infection. See a doctor right away if signs of an infection develop. Early treatment of staph infections is important to avoid complications.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Staph Infection in the Body?
Staph infections can cause a variety of symptoms depending on which part of the body is affected. Some common signs of a staph infection include:
- Swollen, red, painful areas of skin that resemble pimples or spider bites. These can fill with pus and become crusty.
- Swollen lymph nodes. The lymph nodes near an infection may become swollen and tender.
- Fever. Staph infections often cause a fever, sometimes with chills.
- Fatigue and muscle aches. You may experience tiredness, exhaustion and body aches.
- Coughing or shortness of breath. If the infection affects the lungs, it can cause a cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.
- Diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. Staph food poisoning results in gastrointestinal issues.
- Abscesses. Pockets of pus that form under the skin or in organs. These require drainage and antibiotics.
- Impetigo. A highly contagious skin infection that causes crusty, oozing blisters, usually around the mouth and nose.
Staph infections vary in severity, so if you experience signs of a staph infection, especially a high fever, severe pain, shortness of breath or a rapidly spreading rash, seek medical care promptly. Early treatment can help prevent a life-threatening infection.
What Parts of the Body are Affected by Staph Infection?
Staph infections can affect many areas of the body:
- Skin – The most common site of staph infections. It can cause conditions like impetigo, boils, abscesses, and cellulitis.
- Lungs – Staph bacteria can lead to pneumonia, especially in those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
- Bloodstream – If staph enters the bloodstream, it can quickly become life-threatening. Signs include fever, chills, rapid pulse, and confusion.
- Surgical sites – Staph is a common cause of infections after surgery. Redness, swelling, and pus around the incision site are indicators.
- Joints – Staph can infect joints and the fluid within them. This causes pain, swelling, and decreased mobility.
- Heart – In rare cases, staph can infect the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves. This is a medical emergency and can lead to heart failure if left untreated.
- Bone – Staph osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone and bone marrow, causes pain, swelling, and redness over the infected area.
- Eyes – Staph infections like styes, conjunctivitis, and other eye infections lead to pain, redness, swelling, and discharge from the eyes.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing severe complications from a staph infection, no matter which part of the body is affected. See a doctor right away for an exam and proper antibiotic therapy.
How is Staph Infection Diagnosed?
To determine if you have a Staph infection, your doctor will start by checking your symptoms, medical history and doing a physical examination. Then, they will likely order some tests to confirm the diagnosis.
1. Blood Test
A blood test can detect the presence of Staph bacteria in your bloodstream. High white blood cell counts often indicate an active infection.
2. Wound Culture
If you have an open sore or wound, a culture can be taken by swabbing the infected area. The sample is then tested to determine what bacteria are present and which antibiotics may be effective for treatment.
3. Skin Biopsy
For persistent skin infections, a small sample of infected skin may be removed for testing. This allows for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
4. Imaging Scans
MRI, CT or X-ray scans can be used to detect infections in the bones, joints or internal organs. They provide a visual of the infected area so doctors can determine the severity and proper course of treatment.
5. Urine or Stool Test
Urine and stool samples may be tested if Staph bacteria are suspected to have entered the urinary tract or digestive system. These non-invasive tests can detect the presence of the bacteria.
What are the Complications Associated with a Staph Infection?
Staph infection can cause the following complications:
- Blood or bone infections: The bacteria can enter the bloodstream and spread to joints and bones. This can lead to illnesses like osteomyelitis (bone infection) or septic arthritis (joint infection).
- Pneumonia: If the staph bacteria enter the lungs, they can lead to pneumonia. Symptoms include chest pain, coughing, and shortness of breath.
- Endocarditis: The infection can spread to the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves (endocardium). This can damage or destroy the heart valves.
- Toxic shock syndrome: Staph bacteria can produce toxins that cause a life-threatening condition called toxic shock syndrome. It leads to low blood pressure, fever, rash, and organ failure.
- Sepsis: A severe staph infection can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition in which the immune system overreacts in response to an infection. This can damage multiple organs and tissues in the body.
- Abscesses: Staph bacteria can cause painful, pus-filled lumps (abscesses) under the skin or inside the body. Abscesses require drainage and antibiotics to clear the infection.
- Cellulitis: Staph bacteria can infect the skin and soft tissues underneath, leading to cellulitis. It causes red, painful, swollen areas of skin, especially on the legs or face.
- Impetigo: Staph bacteria can infect the superficial layers of skin and cause impetigo, a highly contagious skin rash. It leads to crusty, oozing blisters, usually on the face, arms, and legs.
Treating Staphylococcus Aureus Infection
To treat a Staph infection, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. For minor skin infections, a topical antibiotic ointment or cream may be sufficient. For more serious infections, oral antibiotics are usually necessary. Some common antibiotics for Staph include:
- Methicillin: For minor to moderate infections. Can be taken orally or applied topically.
- Oxacillin: For moderate to severe infections. Given intravenously in the hospital.
- Vancomycin: For severe or antibiotic-resistant infections. Given intravenously.
- Clindamycin: For minor to moderate infections. Can be taken orally or applied topically.
- Doxycycline: For minor to moderate infections. Taken orally.
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole: For minor to moderate infections. Taken orally.
The type of antibiotic and duration of treatment depends on the severity of your infection. For severe or persistent infections, you may require hospitalization and IV antibiotics. Be sure to take all antibiotics as prescribed to fully eliminate the infection.
In some cases, draining or surgically removing the infected area may be necessary. Follow-up care with your doctor is important to ensure the infection has been cured and does not return.
What are the Side Effects of the Treatment for Staph Infection?
Treatment for staph infections typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria. However, these medications can cause unintended side effects. The eight most common side effects to be aware of include:
- Nausea and vomiting: Antibiotics can irritate the stomach, causing queasiness or throwing up.
- Diarrhea: Some antibiotics may disrupt the normal bacteria in the gut, leading to loose stools. Staying hydrated is important if this occurs.
- Skin rash: Penicillin or other drugs can trigger an allergic reaction, marked by an itchy skin rash. See your doctor right away if this happens.
- Yeast infection: Antibiotics kill off beneficial bacteria that keep Candida yeast in check. Women may develop vaginal yeast infections, while both men and women can get oral thrush.
- Hearing loss: Certain antibiotics like gentamicin can cause damage to the inner ear, resulting in temporary or permanent hearing loss. Hearing tests may be needed during treatment.
- Kidney or liver damage: Some antibiotics are processed through the kidneys and liver, and high doses or long-term use can potentially cause damage. Blood tests may be ordered to monitor organ function.
- Tendon rupture: A rare but serious side effect of fluoroquinolone antibiotics is tendon rupture, especially in older adults. Exercise caution if starting an exercise regimen during or right after treatment.
- Anemia: Long-term antibiotic use can lead to a drop in red blood cells, causing anemia. Iron and B12 supplements may be needed to boost low blood counts.
What can I do to Help Relieve Symptoms of a Staph Infection?
To relieve symptoms from a Staph infection, here are some steps you can take:
- Keep the infected area clean and apply warm compresses. Gently wash the area with antibacterial soap and water and apply a warm compress 3-4 times a day to help draw out the infection and reduce swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Use acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen to ease any pain from the infection. Follow the directions on the packaging for proper dosage.
- Apply antibiotic ointment. An over-the-counter bacitracin or polymyxin B ointment or cream can help fight the bacteria causing your infection. Apply as directed to the infected site.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body fight the infection. Aim for 6-8 glasses of water per day.
- Get extra rest. Plenty of sleep and rest will boost your immunity. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
- Use a warm compress. Apply a warm compress to the infected area 3-4 times a day to help relieve pain and draw out the infection. Do this for 10-15 minutes at a time.
- Keep the area elevated. If possible, keep the infected area propped up on pillows or raised above heart level. This can help reduce swelling.
- See a doctor for prescription medication. For a severe infection, you’ll need an oral antibiotic to fully clear the infection. See your doctor right away for an exam and prescription.
How to Prevent a Staph Infection
To avoid getting infected with Staph bacteria, practice good hygiene like washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after touching contaminated surfaces. Clean and bandage cuts and wounds and apply antibiotic ointment.
Shower regularly using antibacterial soap, especially after exercise or exposure to crowded environments like gyms. Wash towels, bedding and clothes in hot water to kill bacteria. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home, workplace and gym.
Maintain a healthy diet and get enough sleep to keep your immunity strong. Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors or athletic equipment that come into direct contact with skin.
Use a barrier like gloves when handling or cleaning contaminated items like bandages, tissues or linens. Cover coughs and sneezes to avoid spreading staph to others. See a doctor for any skin infections to get proper diagnosis and treatment.
Practice safe sex using condoms to avoid exposure to staph and other STDs. Inform close contacts like family members or roommates about a staph infection so they can also take precautions.
Consider vaccination for high-risk groups like healthcare workers. Certain staph strains like MRSA are resistant to common antibiotics, so preventing infection in the first place is key.
Through frequent hand washing, keeping cuts clean, disinfecting surfaces, maintaining good hygiene and avoiding the sharing of personal items, you can help prevent infection from Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Early diagnosis and treatment of any infection is also critical.
What is the Outlook for Someone with a Staph Infection?
If detected early, most staph infections are minor and easy to treat. However, some strains of staph bacteria, like MRSA, are resistant to common antibiotics and can become severe or even life-threatening if left untreated. The outlook depends on several factors, including:
- The type of staph infection (skin, bloodstream, surgical site, etc.)
- If the strain is antibiotic-resistant
- The person’s overall health and age
- How quickly treatment was started
For minor skin infections, a full recovery is expected with a round of antibiotics. More serious cases may require hospitalization and IV antibiotics. Even with treatment, some staph infections can recur. Close follow-up with your doctor is important to monitor your condition and watch for any complications.
The key is catching staph infections early. Pay attention to signs like skin redness, swelling, or drainage of pus. See your doctor right away for an examination and proper diagnosis. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, most people with a staph infection can expect to make a full recovery. But be diligent about follow-up care and preventing re-infection.
What is the Difference Between Staph Infection and MRSA?
Staph infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, often called ‘staph’ bacteria. Many people carry this bacteria in their noses and on their skin without getting sick. However, the bacteria can enter the skin through cuts, abrasions, or other breaks in the skin surface and cause an infection. Staph infections are characterized by pus-filled lesions, abscesses, and cellulitis.
MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a type of staph infection that is resistant to many common antibiotics. MRSA infections are more difficult to treat because the usual medications do not work. MRSA often causes more severe infections that are harder to eliminate. MRSA bacteria are mutated forms of S. aureus that have developed resistance to methicillin, amoxicillin, penicillin, and other common antibiotics.
FAQ: Answering Common Questions
You probably have some questions about Staphylococcus aureus infections. Here are some of the most frequently asked ones:
Why do I keep getting Staphylococcus infections?
Staph bacteria live on the skin and in the noses of many people without causing problems. However, cuts or breaks in the skin can allow the bacteria to enter and cause an infection. People with weakened immune systems are also more prone to staph infections. Practicing good hygiene like washing hands and properly cleaning cuts/wounds can help prevent recurrences.
What disinfectant kills Staphylococcus bacteria?
Disinfectants containing chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol can kill Staphylococcus bacteria. Products with benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride or chloroxylenol also work well. Be sure to clean surfaces thoroughly and allow proper contact time for the disinfectant to work. Disinfect items that come into contact with infected areas like towels, sheets, and bandages.
What kills staph infections naturally?
Some essential oils have natural antibacterial properties and can help combat staph infections. Tea tree oil, oregano oil, and garlic are some of the most potent. You can apply diluted essential oils directly to the skin, ingest them, or use them as a disinfectant. Manuka honey, colloidal silver, and turmeric also have natural antibiotic effects against Staphylococcus aureus. However, for serious infections, antibiotics are typically still needed.
Can Staphylococcus be cured?
Most Staphylococcus aureus infections can be cured with a course of antibiotics. For minor skin infections, topical antibiotic creams/ointments may be sufficient. More serious infections like pneumonia, endocarditis, or septicemia require oral or IV antibiotics. It’s important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed to completely eliminate the infection. While staph infections can often be cured, recurrences are common due to re-exposure or reinfection. Practicing good hygiene and proper wound care can help prevent future infections.
Can staph infections clear up on their own?
Some minor staph skin infections may heal on their own in a week or two. However, more serious infections like boils, abscesses, or cellulitis typically require antibiotics to clear completely. See your doctor for prescription medication. Don’t try to tough it out, staph bacteria can enter the bloodstream and become life-threatening if left untreated.
Conclusion
Staph infections are common, but can become serious if left untreated. While staph bacteria can be spread through sexual contact, it’s not considered a true STD like chlamydia or gonorrhea that only spread through sex. Staph lives on many people’s skin already. The key is to watch for signs of infection and get medical care if you see symptoms. Keep wounds clean, don’t share personal items, get tested for staph if you have recurring infections, and finish antibiotic treatment as prescribed. With some care and awareness, you can keep MRSA and other staph infections from getting out of hand. Stay healthy!