Staphylococcal Skin Infection

Staphylococcus is a genus of thirty three species of bacteria, many of which are harmless. Many species of staphylococcus bacteria are constantly present on our skin, and cause us no harm at all. However, certain staphylococcus species are quite dangerous and are responsible for a wide range of diseases in humans. The staphylococcus aureus bacteria are probably the main culprit behind most infections that are called “staph infections”. Staphylococcal skin infections caused by this particular bacteria, range from serious conditions such as septicemia and meningitis to a variety of skin conditions, including acne, boils, abscesses and complications of atopic dermatitis.

Some of these skin infections can be treated at home by using various home remedies, such as regular cleansing and exfoliation for pimples. Applying a warm compress several times a day for a boil would work effectively in this case. However, if these remedies do not work within a few days, it is important to consult a doctor. Staph infections are particularly persistent and in most cases, they cannot be treated by using home remedies alone. Some self care measures are of course essential, but these primarily relate to maintaining hygiene. It is essential that you keep the affected area clean by washing it regularly. However, apart from this, you should strictly avoid touching or scratching the area at any other time. Scratching can break the skin and worsen the infection, allowing the virus to spread deeper and even enter your bloodstream, from where it can start internal infections. Even simply touching your infected skin too frequently is dangerous, as it will spread the bacteria via your hands to other parts of your body, resulting in a new infection at a different location.

Doctors usually use antibiotics to treat staphylococcal skin infections. Although most people today prefer to avoid antibiotics, they are the only option against such infections. If used cautiously and sensibly, there is nothing wrong with antibiotics. It is partly your responsibility to follow your course of antibiotics through, right till the end. People sometimes stop their medication as soon as they feel a little bit better. This allows the infection to return with a vengeance, after which stronger treatment is needed, with more corresponding effects. As it is, staphylococcal infections have already developed resistance to many antibiotics, which is why doctors typically use a combination of drugs to treat the infection, thus reducing the chances of the bacteria surviving the treatment.