Staph skin infections are caused by staph bacteria (Staphylococcus). Staph infections range from boils to flesh-eating infections to antibiotic-resistant infections. The difference between these situations is the strength of the infection, how fast it spreads, how deep it goes, and how treatable it is (or isn't) with antibiotics.
Research shows that approximately 25% of Americans have the staph bacteria. This group of people has the bacteria present in the nose or on their skin; however, the microbes don't cause an infection to break out.
One of the main causes of staph infection is MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus), the most deadly staph bacteria living in society. It's not treatable by antibiotics such as methicillin or amoxicillin. While 25% of Americans suffers from staph, only 1% is diseased with MRSA. Major causes of MRSA infection include surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia.
So how can you help to prevent MRSA and staph infection? Follow these tips:
Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Don't share clothes, razors, towels, and undergarments—even amongst family.
Don't directly touch wounds/bandages of others.
Curb the overuse of antibiotics.
By becoming more knowledgeable about staph skin infections and MRSA, you can better reduce the risk of you or one of your family members becoming infected.