Staph is the common name used to describe a number of different types of infections caused by a variety of species of Staphylococcus bacteria. The two most common culprits are Staphylococcus aureus, or S. aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, or S. epidermidis. Both of these types of bacteria are actually found on our skin as normal skin bacteria and do not typically cause infections. However, they may sometimes cause infections that range from mild skin lesions to severe skin infections and toxic shock. Teenagers may often experience recurring staph infections due to factors that include physiological changes at the onset of puberty, hygiene and social activities.
Bacterial Entry Points
Typical staph infections of the skin occur in the sweat ducts and hair follicles. The bacteria can grow very well in these locations, especially if the skin is not routinely cleaned. These types of infections may result in mild pimplelike lesions that contain pus and other fluids, along with the bacteria. In more severe cases, painful pus-filled lesions or boils develop that may lead to extreme discomfort and scarring.
In teenagers, these types of skin infections often occur as a result of wounds from scratching or picking at pimples, especially in the facial region. Scratching and picking at the skin leads to cuts and abrasions that are more easily infected with staphylococcal bacteria since they are already present on the outer surface of the skin. Puberty is also a time when both male and female teenagers experience an increase in body hair production. As a result, teens begin to experiment with shaving and can cut themselves and transfer the bacteria into the open wounds.
Sports and Recurring Staph Skin Infections
Teens may be routinely exposed to staphylococcal bacteria as a result of physical contact with others during sports activities, or by using shared equipment and objects such as towels during practice. Sports equipment and towels can easily become contaminated with Staphylococcus bacteria from one teen and transferred to another person who uses the same equipment without disinfecting it, or by wiping the skin with the same dirty towel used by another player during practice. Contact sports may also result in cuts and abrasions that serve as portals of entry for the bacteria. Since these types of activities reoccur, teens are often continuously exposed to the bacteria and can develop recurring staph infections.
Prevention
Most incidences of staph infections may be reduced by practicing good hygiene. This includes washing the body, especially the face, on a daily basis. Teens need to shower and clean their skin frequently when engaging in physical activities with other teens. Disinfecting sporting equipment and having designated clean towels for each player on a sports team may help to reduce the risk of acquiring recurring staph infections. Teens should also check themselves for abrasions and cuts and ensure that they cover these wounds with bandages to avoid infections.
Treatment
More severe cases of recurring staph infections may be treated with antibiotics. Some strains of Staphylococcus, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA, are very difficult to treat, even with antibiotics. However, strains such as MRSA do not cause the more common staph skin infections that most teenagers will experience on a recurring basis.
References
- TeensHealth: Staph Infections
- "Microbiology: An Introduction"; Gerard Tortora, et al.; 2009
- MedlinePlus: MRSA
- MedlinePlus: Staphylococcal Infections
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation; Pubic Hair Removal: Shaving; Leighna Winters; September 2011
