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Staph Infection
A staph infection is caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus. While this infection can affect any body part, it’s commonly found on the skin and inside the nose.
However, a staph infection can become problematic if the bacteria enter other body parts, like the lungs, bones, joints, blood and kidneys.
How Staph Infections Spread
Staph can spread through contact with a person who has the infection and by touching contaminated surfaces. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream through a cut or wound, but like a kidney infection, staph can also enter the body through the urethra, affecting the bladder and kidneys.
You can even get food poisoning when you eat food infected with bacteria. It can survive the acid in your stomach and cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Common Body Parts Affected by Staph Infections
Staph infections can range from mild to severe, depending on where they are located and how quickly a patient seeks treatment. Some common places to get staff are:
- The skin is the most common infection site and can present as boils and blisters anywhere on the skin.
- Your bones can also get a staph infection through a painful condition called osteomyelitis that causes inflammation.
- Infections can also occur in organs, like the lungs and heart, which can be deadly. You can develop breathing problems and pneumonia.
Symptoms of Staph Infections
Staph infection symptoms vary depending on where it is located.
For skin infections, the symptoms include:
- Boils
- Cellulitis
- Impetigo (a painful rash)
- Scalded skin syndrome
For food poisoning, the symptoms include:
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Low blood pressure
- Vomiting
Other potential symptoms are:
- A high fever
- Joint swelling
- Muscle pains and aches
- Nausea
- Severe stomach pain
Staph Infection Treatment
The treatment for staph infections is antibiotics, though the delivery can vary depending on the condition, placement, and type of infection.
Doctors may perform minor surgery for skin infections to drain the fluids out of the wound. The procedure will involve making a small incision on the affected area to clean the area.
If the infection involves a medical device like a pacemaker or catheter, the doctor must remove it.
5 Ways to Prevent Staph Infections
Because of the prevalence of staph bacteria on the skin, it is difficult to prevent infections from happening. You can reduce the chances by following proper hygiene practices, such as:
- Cleaning wounds and cuts, then covering those injuries immediately.
- Keeping your skin clean by taking regular baths.
- Using hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
- Using tissues when blowing your nose and disposing of them properly.
- Washing your hands with soap and water.
When to Visit ShorePoint Health Emergency & Urgent Care-Cape Coral for Staph Infection Treatment
If you are experiencing symptoms and complications, seek appropriate medical intervention. Signs to look out for include:
- A high fever
- Extraordinary pain in the affected area
- Increased heart rate
- Redness that is spreading rapidly
As one of the only health systems in Cape Coral with ER and urgent care services under one roof, ShorePoint Health Emergency & Urgent Care offers affordable pricing, quality care, and trained staff. Patients are only billed based on the level of care received, and no appointments are needed for in-person visits. The ER is available 24 hours a day, and the urgent care walk-in clinic hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
ShorePoint Health Emergency & Urgent Care-Cape Coral, a department of ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte, is located at 2521 Del Prado Blvd. N. in Cape Coral and may be reached at 239-356-0740.