A staph infection of the hair can be caused by many things, but a true definition of staph is needed to understand this type of infection. Staph is the shortened version of staphylococcus, which is a type of bacteria. Staph can live in the nose, mouth, genitals and anus. If the skin is broken for any reason, staph can enter and cause an infection. There are several types of staph family species that can cause different types of illness. Staph infections can spread from person to person. Warm, humid climates and increased sweating also add to the spreading of staph. Staph infections are less common than staph skin infections. Usually a person's immune system has been weakened and is, therefore, unable to fight off a staph infection from entering the body.
Sweat
Boils are staph infections that are pockets of pus that develop in the hair follicles or oil glands. The skin over the infected area is red and swollen. Boils most often happen under the armpits, groin and buttocks, where there is more sweat and where there is increased moisture of the skin. This is seen in contact sports where there is increased moisture and sweating during playing of the sport.
Pimples
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles in which the hair shafts grow. Small pockets of pimples occur at the base of the hair shafts. A pimple often is in the hair shaft area. There is a red area around each pimple. People who shave and rub against clothing with already irritated skin are susceptible to staph infections entering their skin via an intimate contact with infected skin or clothing.
Contact
A furuncle is a painful lump in the skin due to an infected follicle of hair. The lump usually is filled with pus and grows bigger until it ruptures and drains. Again, this staph infection is caused by skin contact of an infected person or material that contains the bacteria staph. Furuncles are seen on the face, neck, buttocks, armpits and inner thighs where moisture of these areas is evident.
Bacteria
A carbuncle is an area within a staph infection containing several furuncles. This infection is caused by a lack of treatment concerning the furuncles and needs immediate attention. People with this infection are feverish and do not feel well.
Dirty Hands
A hordeolum is known as a stye and is an infection of the eyelid. It becomes apparent when the base of the eyelid and the eyelash becomes infected. The area surrounding the eyelash becomes red and swollen. This is caused by poor hand washing techniques and contamination of objects that are infected with the staph.
