OK, Here we go for our in depth talk about Staph infections. This little bug, can cause a number of problems for people, from mild to fatal infections of all sorts. There are 30 different types of staph bacteria that can affect us, but the most common is know in medical terms as Staphylococcus aureus. This creature can cause any number of infections in or on the body. The bacteria can be found on the skin and nose, on people, and cause no infection at all. This bug can be seen under a microscope and resembles grapes or berries that are clustered together after being stained.
While anyone can have a staph infection, there are a few groups of us who are more prone to an infection than others. These groups are, newborn infants, breast feeding women, people with some chronic conditions such as cancer, vascular problems and diabetes. Also those people with immune system disorders, skin disorders and lung disease are also prone to a higher chance of infection. Once a person is infected with a staph infection, they are contagious until the infection is gone. Any direct contact with an open wound or sore, or any infected part of the body, along with razors and bandages can transmit the infection between people. Generally speaking, close contact such as kissing, hugging or hand shaking is not a good transmission route if the infected areas are avoided.
The mots common area affected by Staph is the skin of the body. This can be in several forms such as, abscess or boil which are the most common two forms. It can progress to an infection known as impetigo, which is a crusting of skin cells, or cellulitis where the skin and connective layers underneath become inflamed and swollen. In rare cases it can lead to what is called scalded skin syndrome, where the infection produces a protein that looses the glue that holds the layers of the skin together. It causes blisters to form, and the top most layer of skin to fall off, which looks like a large burn. When this happens, over a large area of the body, it can be fatal just like a large burn injury.
Women who breast feed can develop mastitis, or inflammation in the breast tissue from staph along with abscesses. The problem with an abscess in the breast tissue is that it can cause the bacteria to enter into the milk that is produced. When a staph infection goes untreated, it can enter into the blood stream and cause infections in other parts of the body, such as the heart, or lungs. Staph can cause pneumonia in people with a prior lung disease, and can cause abscesses to form with in the lungs. The heart is also at risk of becoming infected which is known as endocarditis, where the lining of the heart valves are infected and can lead to heart failure.
When the staph bacteria enter the blood, it is known as sepsis which can be a fatal infection of the blood stream. It is the leading cause of shock in people with an severe burn on their body. It leads not only to shock, but collapse of the veins and arteries with in the body. When this is not treated 80 % of all people with sepsis will not survive. Another serious condition, known as Toxic Shock Syndrome is a result of the bacteria growing in a low oxygen environment. The bacteria releases a toxin which causes the syndrome. This is a common problem among female tampon users. It is characterized by a the sudden onset of a high fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and muscle aches. It will also cause a drop in blood pressure which will lead to shock and death if left untreated.
Staph infections of the skin, can usually be diagnosed with just looking at the area, which other staph infections require lab tests. Minor skin infections can be treated with simple over the counter antibiotic ointments such as neosporin, or bacatracin. Oral antibiotics may be given also for skin infections, however I suggest that ointments be attempted first for a few days. This prevents the ability for the infection to become immune, and saves medications.
There is a form of staph infection, known a MRSA, which is resistant to most antibiotics used to treat staph infections. This from requires that antibiotics be given directly into a vein, and usually two highly potent antibiotics together. We will not cover this into to much depth, because of the treatment is highly unlikely to happen during a survival or disaster situation where help may be days or even weeks away.
The best way to minimize your risk of getting a staph infection, is to simply wash your hands often, do not touch any material such as a razor, or dressings from anyone that may be infected with staph. Use gloves when you have to handle such items, or if you assist a person with their wounds. Carry some alcohol based hand sanitizer with you, it is great in a pinch.
Until next time...
Country Boy
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