1. Wash it Away
Staph infections can be prevented if proper hygiene techniques are used. These include regular hand washing and daily bathing. If there is an area of the body that is infected, keeping those areas clean and covered will help to prevent future infections and complications. Using soaps and other anti-bacterial or germ-killing products can help cure mild cases of staph infections. Staph infections that result in styes can be treated with applications of warm, moist compresses to the infected areas (the eye, with the eye closed) for 20 to 30 minutes 3 to 4 times per day. In the case of an eye infection, be sure to use a clean washcloth or compress each time it is applied.
2. Get Prescribed
If you have had a severe or recurrent infection, then a 7- to 10-day course of treatment with penicillin or other oral antibiotics (if not infected with MRSA) may be recommended by a physician. The location of the infection (skin or gastrointestinal) and the identity of the causal bacteria (S. aureus which flourishes in hospitals and is the culprit in most staph infections, or S. Epidermidis which causes contamination of the bloodstream) determine which of several effective medications should be prescribed. In the case of a more serious infection, antibiotics may be administered intravenously for as long as 6 weeks. Occasionally, a stye of the eye will require a topical antibiotic.
3. Get Alternative
Alternative therapies, such as yoga, are meant to strengthen and improve the immune systems and thereby prevent staph infections from reoccurring. Yoga stimulates the immune system and promotes relaxation. Other therapies such as herbal remedies and acupuncture are meant to generate and draw away heat from the infection. Herbal remedies that may help the body to deal with staph infection include:
Garlic, which has anti-bacterial properties, is recommended when symptoms of the infection first appear. Herbalists recommend consuming 3 garlic cloves or 3 garlic oil capsules a day.
Cleavers is an anti-inflammatory herb that supports the lymphatic system. It may be taken internally to help heal staph abscesses and reduce swelling of the lymph nodes. A cleavers compress can also be applied directly to a skin infection as well as a stye.
Goldenseal is an herb with inflammation reducing properties. Skin infections can be treated by making a paste of water and powdered goldenseal root and applying it directly to the affected area.
Tea tree oil is also an infection-fighting herb. It can be applied directly to a boil or other skin infection.
