Staph Infection Treatment Explained
If you have an open wound that has become infected (swollen, red, and with yellowish pus), you need to see a doctor right away. This is probably not a simple case of acne or insect bite, but a staph infection. Pus is a clear sign that there is bacteria spreading, and it is urgent that you treat it so it won’t spread to other parts of your body through your bloodstream.
Staph infection treatment falls under 2 methods: use of antibiotic or through surgical treatment with antibiotics. The surgical method is done when there is pus which needs to be drained. If the pus has spread, then it will require major surgery to find the affected tissues and abscess.
Your doctor will also have to find out the cause of the staph infection because if it is an MRSA staph infection, he will have to determine which antibiotic to prescribe. With a MRSA staph infection, you are not going to respond to specific drugs because you developed an immunity to them. Some of the antibiotics for non-MRSA staph infections are dicloxacillin, nafcillin, cindamycin, cefazolin, or bactrim. For MRSA infections, bactroban is a topical antibiotic that is used sometimes. Linezolid, rifampin, vancomycin, or sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim can also be prescribed.
Resistance to certain antibiotics are due to overuse, or from exposure to animal meat and produce that have been treated with the antibiotics. It makes staph infection treatment more complex than usual. Part of the questions you will be asked will be about your diet, environment, and medical history.
On the other hand, it is possible that your infection is really because of a spider bite gone bad, and some doctors may opt not take the time to consider a staph infection. One way to find out would be to have a culture done. The results are not out immediately, so you could request for pain relievers and an antibiotic treatment.
Other staph infection treatment steps would be :
– Clean the affected area with antiseptic and topical antibiotic at least 3 times a day
– Elevate the area, if possible
– Make sure the affected area is dry
– Do not poke it or try to open the wound because it could get worse
– No need for special soap or rinse, but it has to be cleaned and covered after it dries
– Wash your hands well after cleaning your wound
You will need to watch out for veins becoming more prominent, and if it starts leading to your chest because this could mean that the bacteria is moving towards your heart. The sooner you seek medical attention, the less pain and stress you will have.
As for home remedies, the most common remedies can only be used for minor staph infections. These home treatments are:
– Warm compress over the affected area; used once, then thrown away. Do not use the same compress again
– Change your razor daily if your staph infection is in an area where you need to shave
– Do not use tampons if you have your monthly menstruation and the staph infection is in your vagina
– Tea tree oil is a recommended herbal treatment if applied topically, but do get the approval of your doctor prior to using it
Most staph infection treatment plans are simple if you seek medical attention as soon as you notice a red, swollen bump with a bit of yellowish white bud on top. This is a sign of pus growing, and if treated early, will not need any surgery at all.
Writer is a microbiologist and researcher of mrsa staph infections. For more information on mrsa and staph infections see this website for mrsa treatment information.
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