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MRSA Infection in Children

If your child has a skin infection that's not responding to a normal course of antibiotics, you should have further tests done on the infection. MRSA is a very serious infection that can be linked to mortality in children as well as adults.

  1. Identification

    • A pimple-like rash, abscess or boils is the first sign. Your pediatrician will run tests to ascertain if there is an MRSA infection if the antibiotics are ineffective.

    Medications

    • Since the culture to test for MRSA takes time to develop, your pediatrician will prescribe a course of antibiotics for your child. Typical antibiotics include Bactrim and clindamycin. Vancomycin is used in hospital situations. Recently, linezolid has been approved by the FDA for both adult and child treatment of MRSA.

    Prevention/Solution

    • While the bacteria exist on the skin naturally, MRSA is only worrisome when it becomes a source of infection. Avoid touching towels or clothing that has been in contact with the infected person or any wound. Wash your hands frequently. Athletes should shower after practice. Keep any wounds fully covered until they are healed.

    Significance

    • The overuse of antibiotics is directly related to the increase of MRSA. If your child is sick with a viral infection, don't ask for antibiotics as they won't be helpful and they increase the potential for the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

    High Risk

    • MRSA has become increasingly common amongst football players, wrestlers and those who like to fence. The theory is that the bacteria take advantage of the close contact of these sports as well as the potential for infecting wounds incurred during practice, according to KeepKidsHealthy.com.

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