A staph infection is a type of infection caused by staphylococcus aureus. Staph can be found on your skin and mucous membranes and can develop into a serious condition, especially if you are at high risk with a weakened or compromised immune system. If your child develops a cut on his knee and it does not heal properly, it could be a staph infection.
Causes
It is common for children to have scrapes and cuts on their knees throughout childhood. Most minor skin injuries heal by themselves but when they develop an infection, they will need medical treatment. One of the main causes of staph infection is the invasion of bacteria into the cut in the skin. Bacteria can be found on many surfaces and can survive high extremes of temperature, dryness and many types of soaps. Staph bacteria can also be transmitted person to person, notes MayoClinic.com. Staph may also be transmitted through inanimate objects, including towels, clothes and solid surfaces until it comes into contact with your skin or mucous membranes. You may currently carry staph on your skin, but when it is allowed to enter an opening or cut, such as the knee, it can begin to show signs of infection.
Identifying Staph
There are several different types of skin infections caused by staph, including impetigo, boils, scalded skin syndrome and cellulitus. If the cut on the knee becomes red, inflamed, swollen, painful, develops a pus pocket or drains blood or fluids of any color, it could be the sign of a staph infection. If your child has an infection on his knee that is caused from impetigo he may have a painful rash or blisters that drain fluid and develop a crusty layer. Impetigo mainly occurs near the mouth but can be transmitted to other areas if there is an existing infection. Cellulitis can occur if a staph infection from a cut is severe. Cellulitus affects the deep layers of skin causing redness and swelling around the affected area.
MRSA
MRSA or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is also a type of staph infection. MRSA is a more serious staph infection because it is generally resistant to most forms of antibiotics -- making it difficult to treat. Pub Med Health explains that MRSA can occur in any type of cut, including a minor cut on the knee. If your child has a weakened immune system, is hospitalized or is receiving cancer treatment, her ability to fight off MRSA can be extremely challenging. Complications for MRSA include the infection affecting her bone, lungs or heart. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, chest pain, malaise, headache, rash and shortness of breath, in addition to a red and swollen area in and around the cut on the knee. She may also have difficulty walking on the leg, in addition to pain and discomfort.
Treatment
Treating a staph infection in your child is often done with a strong course of antibiotics. Most cases of staph respond well to antibiotic treatment. If the infection is severe, surgery may have to be done to remove infected bone and tissue in and around the knee area. MRSA infections that are severe may require draining the infected knee and surrounding area. A combination of antibiotic treatments are used to try to kill off the infection. Intravenous fluids and medications may be given in the hospital, as well as oxygen to help your child breathe easier and fight off the infection.
