Staph infection is a very common type of infection.
Usually, it is caused by a specific series of bacteria. And this bacteria is known as Staphylococcus Aureus. While the name sounds a little scary, the bacteria are present all around us.
Unbelievingly, this bacteria is found in areas like the skin as well as the nose of healthy individuals. Whatever the case may be, this infection usually doesn’t cause too much trouble. Commonly they are involved in minor skin cuts or infections.
On the other hand, these may turn into a deadly encounter too. This occurs when the bacteria goes deep into the body’s layers. On the whole, some common places include blood, heart, and joints. Simultaneously, it also involves the bones as well as the lungs. And that is the point where many complications arise.
As days go by, a growing number of healthy individuals develop some of the worst staph infections. Hence, for this reason, it’s important to be clear about the causes and symptoms.
What are the causes for this common infection?
There are so many individuals that have staph bacteria but don’t get the infection. Conversely, if you have a staph infection, there is a high probability that the bacteria was with you for a while.
On the whole, it’s important to remember that the bacteria is contagious. And that means you can transfer the bacteria to anyone that’s nearby. Simultaneously, the fact that this bacteria is so hardy, means that they can live and grow on a number of objects. For example, this includes pillow covers and towels.
Hence, that’s why many doctors recommend avoiding sharing any personal belongings if you’re infected with a staph infection.
Common places where the bacteria are found include:
The bacteria is present all around us. And the biggest disadvantage is that it can live under drastic conditions too. This is why we need to be aware of its presence. The common places where the bacteria are found include:
- The stomach’s acid
- Very drying conditions
- Very high or very low-temperature conditions
Signs and symptoms that you should be aware of
Generally, a staph infection can have an array of symptoms. This includes minor skin issues or large life-threatening ordeals that involve the heart’s inner lining.
For this reason, there is a wide array of symptoms that vary from person to person and case to case. Hence, let’s take a closer look:
Skin infections
A skin infection can present itself in a number of ways. On the whole, the most common symptoms include the following:
- Boil- these are mini pockets of pus. Generally, they develop where a hair follicle is seen. Simultaneously, the skin over that particular area gets red too.
- Painful Rash- It usually has large blisters with a crusty covering.
- Infection of deeper skin layers- Similarly, patients experience fever, sores, redness, and a whole lot of swelling too.
ADVERTISEMENT - Scalded skin syndrome- this is usually common in babies, where the skin peels off, leaving a red painful surface.
Food poisoning- another frequent symptom worth a glance
One of the most common causes of food poisoning is a staph infection.
Hence, people complain of:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Low blood pressure
- Diarrhea
Bloodstream infection- a dangerous sign that shows spread
On the whole, it’s not uncommon for a staph infection to enter into the blood. Consequently, patients complain of:
- Fever
- Low blood pressure
- Infections that enter deep into other vital areas like the heart, lungs, brain, muscles
- Infections can also affect artificial devices like pacemakers and artificial joints
Other life-threatening conditions that you should be familiar with
Without a doubt, when a staph infection gets severe, the following occurs:
- Very high fever
- Confusion
- Rash on hands and feet- this tends to have a pinkish or reddish tinge
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Muscle aches
- Diarrhea
- Swelling of the joints- the joints show red color change too
Risk factors for Staph infection
Patients who are at the greatest risk for a staph infection include:
- The poor defense system of the body- there can be a number of reasons why
- Kidney failure- when one or both kidneys don’t function properly
- High blood sugar levels or Diabetes- these people have poor wound healing
- Patients with transplants
- Skin damage
- Lung illness
- Cancer- cancer causes poor healing of infections as the white cells decrease
- Patients who take medicines that lower the body’s immunity
Staph infection demands immediate medical investigation. Overall, they are usually treatable but their complications can lead to death. For this reason, you should visit your doctor immediately. Similarly, it’s important to be familiar with its prevention.
Simple steps like frequent hand washing can make the biggest difference in the world. At the same time, having the symptoms on your fingertips also helps.
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