Staph aureus, more commonly known simply as Staph, is a common bacteria that can live on people's skin. In some cases, the Staph bacteria can get under the skin, where it can cause serious infections. Treatment of a Staph infection depends on studying the strain and combating it with appropriate measures. This is especially important in light of strains of the Staph bacteria that have developed resistance to many commonly used treatments.
Step 1
Keep the wound clean. In general, Staph infections occur in areas of the body that have become wounded, Kids Health explains. This is because the Staph aureus bacteria normally live on the skin of healthy people. In general, this bacteria does not penetrate the skin. However, patients with wounds should take measures to fight off a potential Staph infection.
The most basic mode of treatment is in line with basic wound care; clean the affected area with warm soaks and apply antibacterial cleansers, such as those available over the counter.
Step 2
Culture the bacteria. If your infected wound is not responding to standard wound care and your physician thinks you may have a Staph infection, a bacterial culture is essential. This not only confirms a Staph infection diagnosis, but also identifies the antibiotics to which the bacteria are still susceptible.
Normally, Staph infections are treated with methicillin or similar antibiotics. However, in recent years, methicillin-resistant Staph aureus strains, also known as MRSA, have developed. Strains that are resistant to methicillin often have resistance to other antibiotics, making culture and susceptibility testing necessary.
Step 3
Apply prescribed antibiotics. Patients with a confirmed Staph infection should apply the antibiotic creams prescribed by their physicians.
Step 4
Explore surgical options. Parts of the body that have been infected with Staph bacteria can form abscesses. The Centers for Disease Control explains that in some cases, a Staph infection can be treated by surgically removing or draining the infected abscess.
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial cleansers
