Staphylococcus aureus Skin Infections

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Staphylococcus aureus Skin Infections
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Typical Staph Skin Infections
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• Staph aureus are bacteria that commonly cause
  skin infections.
• 20 to 30 of healthy people have Staph on their
  skin.
• Staph are resistant to some antibiotics, but all
  Staph infections can be treated with one or more
  antibiotics.
• Some populations, like athletes, military
  recruits, children, and prisoners are at higher
  risk of Staph infections.
• The risk of infection is increased when there are
  cuts in the skin, close skin-to-skin contact,
  crowded living conditions, poor hygiene, and
  contaminated items and surfaces.

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• Staph infection can be prevented through
  practicing good hygiene 1. Keep hands clean by
  washing with soap and water or using an
  alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 2. Keep cuts and
  scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until
  healed. 3. Avoid contact with other peoples
  wounds and bandages 4. Avoid sharing personal
  items such as towels or razors.
• Employees and students with Staph infections do
  not need to be excluded from work or school if
  their wounds are clean and covered.

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S. aureus Colonization

• About 30 of people are COLONIZED
• Average 2.8 strains /person
• Colonization more frequent in
• Newborns
• Hemodialysis patients
• People with skin diseases like dermatitis, eczema
• Diabetics
• Colonization may last for months to years

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Sites of Colonization

• IN and Around the NOSE
• WOUNDS
• Armpit, groin, genital and perianal area, rectum

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Mode of Transmission

• From person to person by colonized hands
• Rarely from environment
• General routine cleaning disinfection of
  housekeeping surfaces and patient-care surfaces
  adequate for inactivation of MRSA
• MRSA susceptible to many low-level and
  intermediate-level disinfectants
• One tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of water

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Community Outbreaks

• Competitive sports
• Correctional facilities
• School
• Day care centers
• Families

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Prevention of Staph infection

• Promote good hygienic standards
• Handwashing, plain soap OK
• Showers
• Do not pick, press, touch wounds, boils and other
  skin infections
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels and
  razors