Skin Staff Infection Symptoms
Staphylococcus bacteria, commonly referred to as staph, are present in most environments. It is thought that nearly 25 percent of the general population actually carries the bacteria either through airborne contact or by contact with other people and shared environmental surfaces, such as floors and bathroom fixtures. These bacteria have traits that are similar to any other type of viral infection, which means that they can be spread by intimate contact or by a person being in the proximity of an infected area.
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Skin Staph Infections
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The most common type of staph infection among humans is an infection of the skin, known as cellulitis. The ease of incurring this type of infection is due mainly to the prevalence of skin afflictions that allow the bacteria to enter a person's body. These would include, but are not limited to, minor cuts or abrasions, boils, acne and other invasions that cause the skin to become open and vulnerable to infection. Cellulitis is a condition that affects the deeper layers of the skin, making staph infections one of the more virulent and serious viruses.
Symptoms
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The most obvious sign of a staph infection of the skin will be a redness and swelling of the infected area. This area will become tender as well. The site of infection may be as small as a pimple, or may be as large as a mole. Some skin infections will be accompanied by a discharge of pus, while others may form a crusty layer that seeps fluid, as in impetigo infections. Another skin staph infection, known as scalded skin syndrome, will become red and will develop pus-filled blisters (bullae).
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Other Symptoms
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More serious conditions can develop from skin staph infections, especially when left untreated. Once the infection begins to spread, the body will react in noticeable ways. An infected person can develop a fever, accompanied by chills and sweating. According to the National Library of Medicine in more severe cases of untreated or rampant infection, toxic shock syndrome may set in, which can be a life-threatening condition. Those with immune-deficiency problems are also vulnerable to these more serious infection syndromes.
Other Types of Staph Infections
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According to Melissa Conrad Stöppler, M.D., there are many areas of the body that can become infected by staph bacteria and the resulting conditions can often be serious. Once these bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can travel to the various organs and systems of the body. An infection of the lungs can lead to pneumonia, especially for people who have lung conditions such as emphysema or bronchitis. Staph bacteria can infect the valves of the heart, which can lead to heart failure. The skeletal and digestive systems can also become infected, as well as reproductive organs and breasts.
Treatments
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According to the National Library of Medicine, treating the less severe cases of skin staph infection is often just a matter of draining the infected area. This can be done as an outpatient procedure in a doctor's office. Antibiotic treatment is prescribed for fighting more serious staph infections of the skin. However, there is a level of resistance that staphylococcus has achieved due to the widespread use of antibiotics for many different reasons. The most severe cases of staph infections may require hospitalization.
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