In many cases we tend to ignore some diseases and infections especially skin infections but only learn how much harm they can cause once they become fatal, staphylococcus infection is one such bacterial skin infection which can range from a simple boil to a life threatening infection. Although staphylococcus infection is not very harmful and is considered to be a minor skin infection but can turn into a deadly disease if it gets deeper into the body....CONTINUE READING
If this bacteria gets into a person’s joint, bloodstream lungs, muscles or heart it can possibly turn into a life threatening infection. This infection generally looks like a yellow crusting on the skin and can begin with a little cut. It can range from a simple boil to a flesh eating infection.
Staphylococci reside in the skin which is why so many infections start with a boil and it is a deadly pathogen. The species gets its name from the golden color colonies it forms in culture media. Methicillin-resistant Staph aureus (MRSA) is usually a hospital-acquired infection that is more virulent and more difficult to treat.
A staph infection is contagious and can be spread from person to person which is dangerous, this means one can catch it. Sometimes unbeknownst to its origin, It can also be spread through objects such as towels, remotes, equipment, and the handles of doors. Another way to catch a staph infection is the improper handling of food.
Hence, staph infection is risky business. Knowing the signs and symptoms of the condition can certainly help in seeking early treatment and preventing further complications.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of staphylococcus infection
Fever (this is sometimes the only sign of an infection).
Chills and sweats.
Change in cough or a new cough.
Sore throat or new mouth sore.
Shortness of breath.
Nasal congestion and stiff neck.
Burning or pain with urination.
Unusual vaginal discharge or irritation.
Increased urination.
Redness, soreness, or swelling in any area, including surgical wounds and ports.
Diarrhea and vomiting.
Pain in the abdomen or rectum.
New onset of pain.
Other types of staph infections will have a variety of symptoms.
Bone infections cause pain, swelling, warmth, and redness at the infection site. Chills and fever may also be present.
Endocarditis brings on fever, chills, fatigue, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup in the arms and legs.
Food poisoning causes nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea.
Pneumonia causes high fever, chills, cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Toxic shock syndrome may cause high fever, low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and a sunburn-like rash. Seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur.
Medications for staphylococcus infection
Yes, Staph is often very itchy and can feel like your skin is crawling. Lumps, rashes and skin eruptions itch and can be tender and warm to the touch. Lumps can sometimes become deep sores with increasing pain and swelling if left unchecked. The color of the surrounding skin area is often red to purple and may begin to spread as the infection progresses.
Is staph infection contagious?
Staph infections are contagious until the infection has resolved. Direct contact with an infected sore or wound, or with personal care items such as razors, bandages, etc., are common routes of transmission. Casual contact such as kissing or hugging does not pose a great risk for transmission if there is no direct contact with the infected area.
Certain kinds of staph infection involve staph organisms that cause food poisoning or toxic shock syndrome. These particular staph bacteria cause disease by producing a toxin. The toxin is not contagious, however, food poisoning may affect groups of people who eat the same contaminated food.
Signs of a staph infection you should never ignore
Skin infections; Staph is actually the most common cause of cellulitis, a common and potentially serious bacterial skin infection, “It can occur in completely healthy people or in those with weak immune systems”. Staph usually enters the skin through a cut or eczema patch and causes a local infection, leading to skin inflammation.
This can present as a warm, red, swollen area of skin that is tender or painful to the touch, most commonly on the lower legs, face, or arms. While it may seem like no big deal, any skin condition that feels unusually painful or irritated should be evaluated by your doctor as cellulitis can progress rapidly. “Deep infections like boils or infections of the legs should get immediate attention.
Fever and low blood pressure; In some cases usually when someone’s exposed to staph in a hospital setting, like during surgery, staph bacteria can get into your bloodstream, this can cause a blood infection known as bacteremia which can initially lead to a fever and low blood pressure.
Once in your blood, this kind of staph infection can spread to your heart, bones, and other organs and result in a number of serious or even deadly infections. Those include pneumonia, and also a type of bone infection called osteomyelitis, which could lead to swelling or warmth in the infected area.
Bacteremia could also lead to an infection of the lining of your heart known as endocarditis, symptoms like fever, chills, night sweats, joint pain, pale skin, and weakness can develop very slowly, suddenly, or even come and go.
Sepsis; If a staph skin infection is left untreated can eventually enter the bloodstream and lead to sepsis which is an intense immune system reaction to an infection that sends harmful inflammatory chemicals into the blood and other internal organs. This can block proper blood flow and potentially cause your organs to shut down which can be fatal. Someone with sepsis might have one or more of the following symptoms;
A high heart rate.
Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold.
Confusion or disorientation.
Shortness of breath.
Extreme pain or discomfort.
Clammy or sweaty skin.
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