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Staph Infections in Babies

Staph bacteria can be found virtually everywhere and is commonly found on the surface of a healthy person's skin. Staph infections in babies can cause a variety of infections that range from mild skin infections to potentially fatal toxic shock syndrome.

  1. Causes

    • Staph infections in babies are caused by staph bacteria that enter the skin or other opening in the body.

    Types

    • According to Dr. Alan Greene, M.D., staph infections in babies that infect the skin may include impetigo, conjunctivitis, boils, styes and infected hangnails and wounds. Staph infections in babies can also result in ear, throat and nose infections. Staph infections can also infect the lymph nodes and blood, leading to additional infections such as bone infections, infective arthritis, pneumonia and meningitis.

    Treatment

    • Staph infection treatment usually includes antibiotics in an oral, eye drop, cream or IV form, depending on the type of infection. Dr Greene states that pediatricians carefully examine the type of staph infection before administering antibiotics to ensure the best treatment as many strands of the staph bacteria are highly resistant to antibiotic treatment.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Staph infections are contagious and passed through human contact. Prevent staph infections in your baby by performing regular hand washing throughout the day.

    Considerations

    • Dr. Greene also states that staph infections tend to affect babies that suffer from underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes or babies that have indwelling foreign bodies such as artificial joints or limbs, catheters and shunts.

    Misconceptions

    • Staph bacteria can also cause staph food poisoning in babies. Staph food poisoning in babies may lead to a rapid onset of severe vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration.

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