Staph Infection Symptoms and Causes
What is staph infection? Staphylococcus bacteria, found in grape shaped-clusters on our skin, are able to produce a blood clotting enzyme known as coagulase. These bacteria are present on our skin in normal condition and are generally found in the nasal cavity, groin, underarms, and around the anal region. Most of the infections caused by the staphylococcus bacteria are due to the production of the coagulase enzyme. Some staphylococcus strains that are unable to produce coagulase, have the ability to produce a slimy substance that can lower the body’s natural immune defenses.
Symptoms of staph infection
The staph infections are usually visible after a few hours of the initial attack. The initial symptoms include:
• Reddish skin that is inflamed and tender, right at the site of the infection.
• Pus may erupt from the inflamed site and eventually a crusty layer may develop over the drainage.
• The site initially appears like small pimples. Eventually, these pimples can grow into carbuncles.
• Further progression of the infection occurs when the bacteria burrow further into the skin. Cellulitis is characterized by inflammation of the skin, redness and formation of pus under the skin. The affected area is painful to touch.
• There may be a crusty rash from which pus keeps draining. There may occasionally be the appearance of a blister.
• Eventually, there may be formation of deep abscesses.
• Toxic shock syndrome is another staph infection symptom, caused when the infection is very severe, and food poisoning.
Apart from these, there may be other symptoms that occur eventually. It is not necessary for each affected person to develop the same symptoms. The symptoms usually depend on the depth to which the bacteria have burrowed.
Who can develop staph infection?
Though certain people are more susceptible to the infection, anybody can get it. People with a low immunity are at a greater risk of developing this infection. New born infants and elderly people have naturally decreased immunity, so are more susceptible. Women who are breastfeeding, people with chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, AIDS and other vascular diseases, people with skin injuries, chronic drug users, people with surgical incisions and intravenous catheters, are others who are more susceptible.
Causes of staph infection
• The staphylococcus bacteria are most often spread to others by physical contact or contaminated hands.
• Another one of the leading staph infection causes is skin damage due to trauma. The skin and the mucus membranes are the most effective barriers that protect the body from this infection. However, if there is skin damage, the barrier can be easily breached by the bacteria and infection can be spread once the bacteria enters the tissue or bloodstream.
• Other people who may be particularly susceptible are those with compromised immune systems and those who have invasive medical devices.
