How to Cure Chronic Staph Infections

Bacteria in the Staphylococcus genus are collectively known as "staph." There are a total of 30 species in this genus, although staph infections in humans are almost always caused by Staphyloccocus aureus. Approximately a quarter of the world's population has a persistent staph colonization. However, these cases are not generally called infections unless they produce symptoms. Some staph strains can cause infections that are extremely challenging to cure.

Things You'll Need

• Rifampin
• Minocycline
• Trimthoprim sulfamethoxazole
• Alcohol-based sanitizer

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Instructions

• 1

  Examine the cause of chronic staph infections. These infections are usually the result of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This type of staph is highly resistant to treatment by penicillin and other related antibiotics.

• 2

  Identify MRSA colonizations quickly. Take a swab of the nasal passage and conduct a standard laboratory test for MRSA. This test can be completed within two hours and will show a positive result in about 1 percent of the population.

• 3

  Cure existing MRSA infections with multiple antibiotics. The primary challenge with MRSA infections is finding an antibiotic that the specific strain in question is vulnerable to. This can change rapidly, but common combination therapies for MRSA infections currently include rifampin with minocycline and rifampin with trimthoprim sulfamethoxazole.

• 4

  Follow especially strict hygiene practices in hospital settings where MRSA is more common, especially long-term health care facilities. This type of environment is extremely vulnerable to a rapid spread of an MRSA infection. Hospital settings have a large number of patients with poor immune systems who live closely together.

• 5

  Prevent the spread of MRSA infections at home. Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with an alcohol-based sanitizer after handling clothing and eating utensils from an infected patient. Cover and clean breaks in the skin until they heal and avoid contact with the skin wounds of other people.