Drugs to Treat Staph

Staph infections can range from a simple boil to antibiotic-resistant infections that can ultimately become life-threatening. The difference is dependent on how deep and fast the infection spreads and how treatable it is with modern drugs.

What is Staph?

• Staphylococcus, or Staph as it is often called, is a group of bacteria that can cause a multitude of infections in various tissues of the body. Staph infections can range from mild to severe and are sometimes fatal.

  There are over 30 different types of Staph that can infect humans, but the majority of Staph infections are caused by the strain Staphylococcus aureus which can normally be found in the nose and on the skin. In the majority of cases, Staph bacteria does not cause infection; however, if the bacteria is allowed to enter the skin or mucus membranes of the body, it can wreak havoc on the body.

  The most common type of Staph infection are infections of the skin, but if Staph bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can spread to other organs, causing a number of serious infections such as infection of the lung or heart which can ultimately lead to heart failure. If Staph spreads to the bones, it can result in severe inflammation known as osteomyelitis. The widespread infection of the bloodstream, known as staphylococcal sepsis, can cause shock and circulatory collapse, and often lead to death.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a staph infection can vary depending on the type of bacteria and the location of the infection.

  Bacteremia, which is also known as blood poisoning, occurs when staph bacteria enter a person's bloodstream. This can be the most deadly type of Staph infection as the bacteria can travel quickly through the body, affecting your internal organs. Although most of the time bacteremia causes no symptoms, persistent fever and rapid heart rate can often be a sign of this infection.

  Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition linked to the use of certain types of tampons and sometimes to skin wounds and surgery. Symptoms develop suddenly and include high fever, confusion, nausea and vomiting, muscle aches, seizures, headache and a rash on palms and soles of feet that resembles sunburn.

  Septic arthritis is another condition often caused by a Staph infection. Any joints can be affected, although the knees are the most common. Symptoms may include joint swelling, severe pain, fever and chills.

  Skin infections occur when the Staph bacteria enters the skin and can include boils; impetigo which is a contagious and often painful rash that may also include large blisters that may contain fluid and cause the skin to crust over; cellulitis, a condition in which the skin becomes red and swollen and hair follicles create dimples similar to the appearance of an orange peel; and scalded skin syndrome, which affects mostly newborns and includes fever, rash and sometimes blisters which often break leaving a red, raw surface of the skin that looks like a burn.

Diagnosis

• Culturing bacteria from the infected site is the first step In order to diagnose a Staph infection. Any area with pus, drainage, crustiness or blisters should be cultured. Blood from patients with sepsis or toxic shock should also be taken and examined for signs of Staph infection.

  All Staph bacteria should also be tested to see if it is resistant to antibiotics. This test is important for doctors to know how to best proceed in treating the Staph infection.

Drugs Used to Treat Staph

• If you suspect or have any signs or symptoms of a staph infection, see a doctor immediately as these infections can become deadly if left unchecked.

  Treatments for staph infections may include a topical antibiotic cream such as Bactroban or Altabax for impetigo, warm compresses and drainage for abscesses, an oral antibiotic such as cephalexin or cefadroxil, or for more serious or persistent infections, an intravenous antibiotic.

  Topical antibiotic creams can also be used for staph colonization in the skin, such as the nose. Bactroban nasal gel can be used twice a day for 5-7 days to rid the body of the bacteria.

  Zyvox is a another antibiotic used to treat complicated skin and soft tissue infections,

  There is also an antiseptic, antimicrobial skin cleanser that can be used weekly to kill Staph bacteria on skin called Hibiclens.

  Because of resistance to antibiotics, your doctor may prescribe a full range of different treatments to effectively eliminate the bacteria from your system. More serious and multi-drug resistant bacteria can most often be treated in the hospital with the antibiotic vancomycin and surgical drainage.

Prevention

• Always keep good hygiene.

  Wash hands often as bacteria can be passed from person to person. Those living in crowded or unsanitary conditions, play contact sports, or share towels or clothing have higher risk of staph infections.

  Those who work in hospitals can reduce their risk of staph infection by wearing protective garments such as masks and gloves.

  Keep any wounds, injuries or penetrated skin clean and protected by sterile dressings.