Mrsa Carrier Treatment

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a staphylococcus bacterium that is resistant to many commonly-used antibiotics. Some people may have MRSA on their skin but have no symptoms of a MRSA infection. These people are called carriers and can spread MRSA to others without getting sick themselves. There are ways to manage the spread of bacteria.

Diagnosis

• Staphylocococcus (staph) bacteria are all around us--living in our noses and on skin and do not generally cause problems. MRSA is a different kind of staph because it cannot be treated with antibiotics. It is not yet understood why some people can be carriers of MRSA without getting infections. If your doctor thinks you are a MRSA carrier, he may test you to be sure. The test for carriers is a swab on the inside of your nose.

Personal Hygiene

• If you are a carrier, your doctor will have two options. She may do nothing because the bacteria may go away on its own, or she may try to help you find ways to reduce the number of bacteria on the skin. In any case, you will need to follow some simple self-care guidelines to prevent spreading the bacteria.

  Always wash your hands thoroughly and use hot water and soap. Try to shower daily or every other day to keep the number of bacteria on your skin to a minimum. Do not share personal hygiene products with anyone, including razors, toothbrushes or towels. Be careful to clean and dress any cuts or scrapes you get. Cough or sneeze into your elbow if a facial tissue is not available. If facial tissues are available, throw them away after use. Keeping nails short will prevent bacteria from growing under the nails.

  Stop the spread of MRSA by showering often, especially before skin-to-skin contact with another person, before and after using a sauna or hot tub, and after working out at the gym or doing sports. Showering limits the number of bacteria on your skin and will limit the amount of MRSA exposure others have around you.

Spreading to Others or Pets

• Tell your doctors and nurses that you are or have been a MRSA carrier. They will need to take extra care while treating you, including wearing protective covering such as gloves or masks.

  Around your home or office, clean often, especially the things you touch the most. Use disinfecting cleansers, disposable towels and gloves to clean. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning.

  Be aware that your pet may also be able to get MRSA or be a MRSA carrier. Ask your veterinarian if you believe your pet has MRSA or is a carrier. You will not need to get rid of your pet, you will simply follow a set of guidelines to keep the pet clean and from transmitting the bacteria.