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How to Treat a MRSA Sinus Infection

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureaus (MRSA) is a type of staph infection that can be stubborn and very serious. These infections occur because of our dependence on antibiotics, which has lessened our resistance to the bacteria. MRSA causes persistent boils and pimples on the skin, and can also cause stubborn infections in other areas of the body, including the sinuses. MRSA infections often break out in schools, day care facilities, gyms, military barracks and prisons.

Things You'll Need

  • Soap
  • Water
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Hand sanitizer
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Instructions

  1. How to Treat a MRSA Sinus Infection

    • 1

      See your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will do a swab of your nasal passages to see if you have a MRSA infection. MRSA infections of the sinus passages often leave small pimples or boils in the nostrils, or there may be pus and chronic pain in the sinuses. You can suspect a MRSA infection if previous attempts to treat the infection do not respond to the most commonly prescribed antibiotics.

    • 2

      Follow your prescription instructions exactly. MRSA infections only respond to a few medications. Take the medication for the full course of treatment even if you feel better after a few days. If you do not finish all medication, you risk a worsening of the infection. Vancomycin is one of the preferred treatments for MRSA infection, but Bactrim DS, linezolid and daptomycin are also often prescribed. If the MRSA infection is very severe, IV antibiotic treatment may be necessary. A new method of vancomycin in a nebulizer is now available, as well.

    • 3

      Take extra care with your hygiene. MRSA infections can be transmitted to others through casual contact, so be careful to discard any used tissues. Wash your hands thoroughly. Do not share personal items with others, such as handkerchiefs, lip balms or other cosmetics. Use hand sanitizer routinely throughout the day. Wipe down phone and computer surfaces with rubbing alcohol. Launder all clothing and bedding in hot water with a good detergent.

    • 4

      Monitor your infection carefully. MRSA sinus infections can be extremely stubborn and may return a few weeks after treatment. Contact your physician for additional treatment if it seems the condition is worsening, or if it clears up and returns again.

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