How to Diagnose a Staph Infection

As the use of antibiotics has increased over the years, so have strains of bacteria resistant to those antibiotics. The Staphylococcus, or staph, group of bacteria is one of these. If not diagnosed correctly and quickly, it can become a problem, causing the blood to become infected. The infection can effect the bones, kidney or heart.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check to see if any skin irregularities are present. Are there any sores that have developed that have a milky substance (puss) oozing from them. Inspect any recent cuts or abrasions for redness or swelling. Also if there are any boils on the person they can be caused by a staph infection.
2. Inspect the eyelids. If there is a red painful bump or sty on the eyelid, that can be a sign of a staph infection. Impetigo is also a sign that the a staph infection could be present. These are sores that are present around the mouth and noses of children that cause red skin and blisters.
3. Learn the persons medical history. People with a history of HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer and lung disease can be more susceptible to staph infections. This caused by their other health problems lowers their immune system and makes it easier for a staph infection to become a problem.
4. Understand there are other factor outside of the medical history that can make a person more susceptible to a staph infection. The elderly, children, new mothers that are breastfeeding, people that use steroids, and people recovering from major surgery are in this group. Also people that frequent athletic facilities and hospitals can be at more risk due to more exposure to the bacteria.
5. Consult a physician to get a culture taken for testing. This is the best way to determine if a staph infection is present. The culture is usually taken with a large q-tip or a cotton swab.

Tips & Warnings

• As with any medical condition, please consult a physician as soon as possible.