Staph infections, also known as Staphylococcus, are relatively common because the staph bacteria is highly contagious. While most staph infections are easily treated, there are some complications associated with staph infections that patients should be aware of. Most of these complications of staph infections are only associated with the most serious infections or those that have been left untreated. Knowing the complications of staph infections should encourage more patients to seek treatment for suspected staph infections.
Boils
Boils are deep infections, usually of a hair follicle, that look much like a big blister. The boil associated with a staph infection is often found on the face and neck, but may be found in other areas. The boils are often filled with pus and very painful and may cause scarring.
Sties
Sties are often caused by staph infections. Sties are basically an infection of the hair follicle of the eyelash. This can be quite uncomfortable and though sties will usually resolve on their own, they often require professional medical treatment.
Impetigo
This complication of staph infection is very common in children. Impetigo is a staph infection of the skin and is usually red and scabby, or may have honey-colored scabs. Impetigo is often seen around the mouths and noses of those infected.
Abscess
Staph can also cause abscesses in the skin or any other organ of the body. This is a painful infection that usually involves swelling of the skin associated with pus. Abscesses often need to be treated with antibiotics.
Infection of Surgical Wounds
Staph can cause serious infections of surgical wounds. If new surgical wounds come in contact with staph, it can cause an incision to become very infected, causing a life-threatening illness, which may require hospitalization and even surgery to safely remove the bacteria from the wound.
Bone Infections
If staph is left in the body untreated, it can actually affect the bones. A bone affected with staph can be very painful and the infection can be very hard to get rid of. Osteomyelitis is the term used for a bone that has become infected by staph.
Endocarditis
Staph infections can cause endocarditis. This is a condition where an area inside of the heart becomes infected with staph. This may cause rapid heartbeat, slow heartbeat, and a generally ill feeling in the patient and will need to be treated with antibiotics. In severe cases, it may require a hospital stay.
Sepsis
Sepsis can occur when the staph infection invades the bloodstream. Sepsis can develop into septic shock, which drops your blood pressure dramatically and can be fatal.
