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Staph Soft Tissue Infection

Staph is short for staphylococcus aureus, which is a common bacterium. Staph is one of the primary causes of soft tissue infections, though they are typically mild.

  1. Symptoms

    • Staph soft tissue infections typically involve the formation of an abscess. The area surrounding the abscess is generally swollen, red and warm to the touch.

    Causes

    • The staph bacteria can easily enter skin that has been broken or punctured. The time frame between exposure and the development of a staph infection ranges from days to several years.

    Treatment

    • Staph soft tissue infections are typically treated with prescribed antibiotic medications. Some staph infections require an incision and drainage.

    Considerations

    • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports that about 30 percent of the population carries staph bacterium, though a majority of carriers won't ever develop any signs of staph infection.

    Complications

    • Untreated staph soft tissue infections can spread to the blood, joints or bone, causing more serious, potentially life-threatening conditions.

    Transmission

    • Staph bacteria spread primarily through direct, person-to-person contact with a contaminated individual. The bacteria can also spread through the air via droplets.

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