STAPHYLOCOCCUS!!

Staph infections - self-care at home.

Staphylococcus bacteria (also termed staph) are responsible for a number of common infections. Staphylococcus is a genus of bacteria that is characterized by a round shape (coccus or spheroid shaped), Gram-stain positive, and found as either single cells, in pairs, or more frequently, in clusters that resemble a bunch of grapes.

Two major divisions of the genus Staphylococcus are separated by the ability to produce coagulase, an enzyme that can clot blood. Most, but not all, human bacterial infections are caused by coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus strains.

Staphylococcus epidermidis strains and other Staphylococcus species that are coagulase-negative produce slime that interferes with immune defenses. S. epidermidis are often associated with implanted devices (for example, catheters or prosthetic devices).

Staph infection is highly contagious.

Symptoms of staph infections include reddish, swollen, itchy, and tender area at the site of infection.

Skin diseases caused by staph infections

Staphylococcal skin infection can present in a variety of ways:

Hair follicle infections including staphylococcal folliculitis, boils (furuncles and carbuncles), abscess and sycosis (beard infection)

Impetigo (school sores)

Ecthyma (crusted ulcers)

Cellulitis (more often due to streptococcus)

Secondary skin infection of wounds, dermatitis, scabies, diabetic ulcers etc.

Mastitis (inflammation of the breast) and abscess of the breast; the bacteria may pass from a breast abscess into milk

Staphylococcal hypersensitivity reactions such as folliculitis decalvans (a cause of scarring hair loss)

Prevention of staphylococcal infection

Due to widespread antibiotic resistance, it is better to prevent staphylococcal infection where possible.

The most effective way is to wash hands often, and before and after touching broken skin.

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