Staphylococcus, commonly called staph, is a group of bacteria that can live on the skin and inside the nose without causing illness. In fact, about 30% of people carry Staphylococcus aureus without knowing it or developing any symptoms. However, the bacteria can cause an infection when they enter the body through cuts, wounds or damaged skin.
Some staph infections are mild and affect only the skin, while others can become serious if the bacteria enter the bloodstream or spread to organs.
What causes staphylococcus infection?
Staph bacteria can spread through close contact with an infected person, contaminated wounds or objects that have come into contact with infected skin.
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The bacteria can cause infections when they enter the body through cuts, scratches, burns, surgical wounds or other breaks in the skin.
Some strains, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are resistant to several commonly used antibiotics, making treatment more complicated.
Symptoms of a staph infection
A staph infection of the skin may appear as:
- A painful or swollen area of skin
- Redness and warmth
- Pus or other drainage
- Boils or abscesses
- A sore that does not heal properly
- Fever, particularly when the infection is more serious
Staph infections can sometimes resemble pimples or other common skin conditions, so appearance alone cannot determine whether an infection is caused by MRSA or another type of bacteria. Laboratory testing may be needed.
In more serious cases, staph can cause bloodstream infections, pneumonia, bone infections, heart-valve infections and sepsis.
How to prevent staphylococcus infection
Good hygiene and proper wound care can reduce the risk of infection and transmission.
1. Wash your hands regularly
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after touching wounds, changing dressings or using shared facilities.
2. Keep cuts and wounds clean
Clean minor cuts and scratches with soap and water and keep them covered with a clean dressing until they heal.
3. Do not squeeze or pop boils
Trying to squeeze or puncture a boil or abscess can spread bacteria to other parts of the body or to other people. Keep the area covered and seek medical advice when necessary.
4. Avoid sharing personal items
Do not share towels, razors, washcloths, clothing or other personal items that come into contact with the skin.
5. Keep frequently touched surfaces clean
Regularly clean surfaces and equipment that come into frequent contact with bare skin, particularly in shared environments such as gyms and healthcare facilities.
How is staphylococcus treated?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection.
For some skin abscesses, a healthcare professional may need to drain the pus. Antibiotics may also be required, particularly for certain infections or when the infection has spread.
If antibiotics are prescribed, they should be taken exactly as directed by a healthcare professional. People should not use leftover antibiotics, share antibiotics with others or stop treatment without medical advice.
Because some staph bacteria are resistant to certain antibiotics, a healthcare professional may recommend laboratory testing to identify the bacteria and determine which medicines are likely to work.
Do not self-medicate with antibiotics
Not every skin sore is caused by staphylococcus, and not every staph infection requires the same antibiotic. Using antibiotics unnecessarily can contribute to antibiotic resistance and may cause side effects.
When should you see a doctor?
Seek medical attention if a skin wound becomes increasingly painful, swollen, red or warm, produces pus, or is accompanied by fever.
Medical attention is particularly important if the infection is spreading, symptoms are getting worse, or there is no improvement within about 48 hours.
People with conditions that increase the risk of serious infection, such as diabetes, should also take skin infections seriously.
Bottom line
Staphylococcus bacteria are common and can live harmlessly on the skin or in the nose. Carrying the bacteria does not automatically mean that someone has an infection. Problems occur when the bacteria cause illness, particularly after entering damaged skin.
Good hand hygiene, proper wound care, avoiding the sharing of personal items and seeking appropriate medical treatment can help prevent and control staph infections.
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); gathered by Lawrence Abiona.
