What Are the Treatments for Staphylococci?

Staph infections are caused by the Staphylococcus group of bacteria. Complications range from very mild to life-threatening. Skin maladies, pneumonia, gastrointestinal problems and toxic shock syndrome can all result from different types of Staphylococci. Treatment varies, depending on the condition and its severity.

Antibiotics

• Most staph infections are treated with antibiotics. Many kinds of staph bacteria are resistant to one or more antibiotics, so a patient with a staph infection may need to take more than one kind of antibiotic before the infection clears. According to the Mayo Clinic, less than 10 percent of staph infections can be cured with penicillin. Other oral antibiotics may be given for staph infections. Skin infections are the most common type of staph infection and these are usually treated with an antibiotic ointment. Often, over-the-counter antibiotic gels or creams will clear up relatively mild skin infections caused by Staphylococci.

Pain Relief

• Some staph infections, especially those of the skin, can be painful. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease pain and inflammation until the infection clears. Soaking the affected areas of skin in warm water or applying wet, warm compresses to the area with clean washcloths or towels can also help ease pain and help allow pus to drain. Avoid shaving infected areas of skin to prevent further irritation and pain.

Surgical Drainage

• Some staph infections of the skin progress quickly and form large, painful cavities under the skin that fill with pus called abscesses. Some abscesses heal on their own, others require surgical drainage. Though the procedure is invasive, it is relatively quick. As long as the bacteria have not spread beyond the skin, surgical drainage will usually clear the infection without the need for further treatment.

MRSA

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to methicillin, penicillin, amoxicillin and oxacillin. MRSA infections typically begin as mild skin infections, but because it is so difficult to treat, it can progress to potentially fatal blood or bone infections. MRSA infections can sometimes be treated with other antibiotics. Which antibiotics will be effective for a particular individual's case of MRSA is usually determined by controlled laboratory tests to avoid giving the patient antibiotics that will be ineffective.

Prevention

• Taking precautions to lower the risk of developing a staph infection is extremely important, especially for individuals in higher risk categories, such as newborns, breastfeeding women, IV drug users, those with catheters and people with chronic medical conditions, such as cancer and diabetes. Avoid sharing personal items such as clothing, athletic equipment, razors, makeup, towels and sheets. Keep any open wounds covered with sterile bandages until they heal to prevent bacteria from spreading. Wash hands regularly or use a hand sanitizer to keep skin sanitary and clean, especially when in a medical environment.