MRSA awareness: Watch for staph infections
Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as staph, is a potentially dangerous bacterium that can cause skin infections that look like pimples or boils. Staph infections also can cause redness, swelling, pain and drainage at the site of the infection, can be warm to the touch and cause a fever.
Some staph infections are resistant to certain antibiotics, which makes them harder to treat. These infections are known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. They result from direct contact with people who have the infection.
Anyone can get a staph or MRSA infection, and it is becoming more and more common. The national Centers for Disease Control & Prevention says Americans visit their physicians approximately 12 million times a year to get checked for potential staph or MRSA infections. In some areas of the country, more than half of skin infections are caused by MRSA, CDC says.
The CDC is so concerned that it has just launched a national MRSA education initiative to teach parents how to keep their children safe from MRSA.
MRSA Safety Tips
- Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage.
- Don’t participate in practice or competitions until skin infections heal or can be covered adequately.
- Don’t touch other peoples’ cuts or bandages
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Shower with soap, hot water and clean towels after all practices and competitions.
- Don’t share towels, clothing or personal items such as razors.
- Clean sports equipment regularly.
- Learn first aid for wounds and how to recognize potential skin infections.
- Tell your coach or athletic trainer if you think you have a skin infection. Coaches and athletic trainers should regularly check athletes for skin lesions.
Most staph infections can be treated easily, but some staph infections lead to more serious illness. Contact your healthcare provider if a skin infection does not get better, especially if accompanied by a fever.
