Staph Infection

Staphylococci, or "staph" are bacteria that generally attack the tissue of the body. These bacteria are responsible for a variety of infections and conditions in humans and animals, including food poisoning. One of the concerning distinctions of staph from other bacteria is the staph can survive on dry surfaces.

A staph infection of the skin is characterized by abscesses called stye that appear in sweat glands. Boils may also indicate that a staph infection is present.

There are thirty known types of Staph that infect human beings, but the most common type of Staph, called "Staphylococcus Aureus," is commonly found in the nose and on the skin of 20% to 30% of healthy adults.

Most of the time, the presence of these bacteria is not harmful. However, upon injury or other damage to the skin, these bacteria can find their way past the bodyís natural defenses and then infect the victim.

Though staph infections can infect anyone, there are members of the population that are most vulnerable to this affliction. These people include:

• Newborns

• Young children

• Breastfeeding mothers

• Intravenous drug users

• Those with skin conditions

• Those with weakened immune systems

Symptoms of a Staph Infection

Staph bacteria can trigger a variety of symptoms. The first and most common are minor skin irritations that appear red and uncomfortable. These can then turn into Impetigo which is when yellowish and crusty spots or lesions can appear on the skin. Other ailments that lead from Staph bacteria include Cellulitis, an infection that weakens the connective tissue of the skin, and in some cases leads to Scaled Skin Syndrome. Staph infections can also attack the breast of the pregnant woman, forming abscesses on the breast. The infection can sometimes entering the breast milk itself.

Staph infections cause the most serious problems when the bacteria enters the bloodstream, called bacteremia or sepsis. Pneumonia associated with Staph bacteria, called Staphylococcal Pneumonia, often attacks those who already have lung problems or may have contracted another ailment that affects the lungs. If the bacteria continues to spread, it can cause serious heart problems like endocarditis, and bone problems like osteomyelitis.

Food poisoning is characterized by symptoms like:

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Dehydration

• Diarrhea

• Sweating

• Fatigue

• Abdominal Cramps

These symptoms normally begin six to ten hours after eating infected food. The discomfort from this illness usually lasts for up to three days until the infected food is passed. This type of Staph (unlike others) is not considered contagious.

Staph bacteria can also cause Toxic Shock, which occurs when Staph grow with little or no oxygen and then infect the body. Normally, this illness has a quick onset time and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, muscle aches, and even low blood pressure and death in severe cases. Toxic shock was first categorized as an illness from menstruating women and an unexpected result of their use of tampons.

Some Staph infections though fall under the category of strains that are resistant or even immune to antibiotics. This Staph is called Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, otherwise known as MRSA. This started to appear in hospitals and in elderly homes. Indeed, 12% of the MRSA cases are still related to hospitals and these communities of elderly. Generally, these infections are minor and superficial, and can be treated easily with alternate medicines.

Treating a Staph Infection

Sadly, there is no vaccine for Staph infections. However, Staph can be prevented by taking careful steps. For example, women who are menstruating that use tampons should be very careful to change their tampons every six to eight hours. Furthermore, when one gets a cut or a scrape, they must carefully treat and care for affected area. This includes keeping the wound as clean as possible. Existing staph infections must be treated through antibiotics administered from a health professional -- there are no safe at-home remedies.

Prevention of food borne Staph infections is a simple matter of carefully following common sense health rules when cooking and/or handling food. This includes:

• Frequent hand washing

• Keeping surfaces clean and sanitary

• Keeping drinking cups and plates clean

• Carefully washing dishes, pots, and pans

By using careful preventative behavior Staph infections can be avoided. However, if you suspect you have a Staph infection do not self-diagnose.

Instead go see your doctor and/or health professional to make a professional determination before any treatment plans are established.