|  | Conditions Treatments | Skin Conditions

Ways to Prevent Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

Occurring first in hospital settings, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is now a community-acquired bacteria. Individuals with MRSA typically present with common skin infections ranging from mild rashes to deep, painful localized infections that look more like boils or pimples. What concerns medical experts about those with MRSA is that the infections are difficult to treat and very easily spread. However, if you or someone close to you has MRSA, there are precautions you can take to avoid the spread of the infection.

  1. How MRSA Spreads

    • Individuals with a MRSA infection contracted it in one of two ways: engaging in skin-to-skin contact with or touching items contaminated by another individual with the infection. Because the bacteria live on the surface of the skin, everyday contact---such as a handshake---with an infected person can result in potential transmission. This is why skin-to-skin transmission is common in situations like contact sports. In addition, because drainage of localized MRSA infections is common, any object that comes in contact with that drainage becomes a vector capable of transmitting the bacteria to anybody who touches it.

    General Prevention

    • If you have MRSA, the best way to prevent transmission is to cover the infected area completely to avoid letting drainage from the wound come in contact with any other people or objects. Take care to cover the wound completely with a suitable dressing. Wearing clothing over the infected area adds a layer of protection, as well. If the wound is so large that you cannot cover it completely, or if the bandage or dressing cannot contain all drainage, it is best to stay out of community settings to avoid spreading the infection. If that is not possible, wash your hands frequently or rub them with an alcohol-based disinfectant. If you are caring for someone with a MRSA infection, following the same guidelines can minimize potential transmission to other individuals.

    The Home

    • Because it is a close environment, MRSA infections can quickly spread throughout a home. If you have MRSA, there are precautions that you, as well as those caring for you, can take to limit this potential. Maintain a clean household, and regularly wipe down common surfaces such as sink and doorknob handles with an appropriate bleach solution or a commercial disinfecting cleaner. Be carefully attentive when cleaning any surface that may come into contact with your infection or drainage from it. Take care to prevent other household members from coming into contact with any laundry possibly contaminated with drainage from your infection, and use the hottest water possible---and bleach whenever appropriate---when washing your clothes, towels and bed linens.

    Wound Care

    • If you or someone close to you has a MRSA infection, there is a process of care of the infected site that minimizes spread of the bacteria to others. Before performing any care on the rash or wound, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. After donning latex gloves, remove any old dressings or bandages and place them in a trash receptacle or sealable plastic bag that will not come into contact with others. After removing the gloves and disposing of them properly, wash hands thoroughly once more. Put on a new pair of gloves before cleaning and appropriately dressing the infected site. Remove and dispose of the second pair of gloves, and wash your hands one final time.

Skin Conditions - Related Articles