How to Treat Staphylococci

Staphylococci, or staph, is a bacteria present in a harmless form in 15 to 40 percent of Americans. However, once staph invades a cut, skin irritation or wound, it can turn deadly. Staph strains that are immune to most antibiotics have become more common, making prevention the best treatment of all. Staph infections can be prevented by regular hand washing and bathing, and by keeping wounds clean and covered. However, staph infections do happen and there are many different treatments available. Any skin infections should be seen by a doctor, so that the proper treatment is prescribed.

Instructions

• 1

  Treat small, local staph infections by washing the affected area with an antibacterial cleanser, applying a prescription antibiotic cream and keeping the wound covered with a clean dressing. Any towels used to dry the area should be used on that area only once and then washed. This will keep the infection from spreading.

• 2

  Taking an oral antibiotic may be suggested for your child by your doctor. Follow the medication directions for the entire recommended period. Do not quit taking the medication just because the condition looks like it is clearing up.

• 3

  Call a doctor if the infection becomes pus-filled or painful, or if you feel sick or develop a fever. If the infection spreads to other family members, or more than one family member has it at one time, then you should also consult your physician.

• 4

  Hospitalization may be required for serious staph infections, especially if the bacteria have invaded the body. Hospital treatment would include powerful antibiotics such as penicillin, tetracycline or macrolides and wound drainage and care.

• 5

  Surgical removal of dead tissue may be required is the infection has gone untreated for too long or if it has spread.