Treatments for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus?
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus is a bacterial infection that causes boils, skin infections and wound infections. Unlike other strains of Staphylococcus Aureus, MRSA cannot be treated with commonly prescribed antibiotics. Only 1 percent of Staph infections are MRSA.
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Antibiotics
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MRSA is resistant to Beta-lactam antibiotics, which include cephalexin, amoxicillin, methicillin and penicillin. Other types of antibiotics, most often vancomycin, may still be an effective treatment for MRSA.
Drainage
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Your health care provider may choose to treat abscesses or boils caused by MRSA by draining them. Only allow a trusted professional to drain a boil.
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Tea Tree Oil
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According to a 2000 study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, tea tree oil, applied as a topical body wash or a diluted nasal spray is at least as effective at treating MRSA as conventional treatments.
Home Remedies
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Anecdotal evidence suggests that applying vinegar, baking soda or bacon to a boil and consuming tumeric or Acidophilus will treat MRSA. A study published by Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology confirms that vinegar and baking soda can effectively kill some antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Warning
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MRSA is a serious condition and can lead to complications such as pneumonia, toxic shock syndrome and blood infections. MRSA is most often spread by skin-to-skin contact.
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References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Community-Associated MRSA Information for the Public ; 2008
- Journal of Hospital Infection; Tea tree oil as an alternative topical decolonization agent for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; M. Caelli, et al.; 2000
- Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology; Antimicrobial Activity of Home Disinfectants and Natural Products Against Potential Human Pathogens; William A. Rutala, PhD, MPH, et al.; 2000
