MRSA
MRSA skin infections have been in the news because the bacteria that cause them to become resistant to the antibiotics used to it
fight most staph infections. This can make it difficult to treat MRSA infections, although most will heal with proper care.
About MRSA
MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of staph bacteria. Many strains of staph bacteria are
quite common, and most of us have staph bacteria live harmlessly on our skin or in our noses.
Staph bacteria that enter the body through a cut, scrape, or rash can cause minor skin infections. Most of these to heal
their own, sometimes antibiotics if the wound clean and bandaged are required, however.
What makes the MRSA strain is different from other staph bacteria, however, is its resistance to the antibiotics, which usually
Staph infections treated. (Methicillin is an antibiotic, which is why the strain is called "methicillin-resistant.") As
Bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, they are harder to kill. They are resistant due to change in any way that
affects the ability of the antibiotic to do its job.
The changes, which can lead to bacterial resistance, which are as caused by improper use of antibiotics:
Taking antibiotics for things that they can not cure, like viruses
Taking antibiotics not work properly if they are reasonable (eg not at all the prescribed medicine or other
Individual drug that was not prescribed for you)
The good news is that MRSA infections in children are rare. And if you get a healthy child, a doctor can treat.
Such as MRSA spreads
MRSA is in the news, but it is not a new infection. The first case was reported in 1968. Affected in the past, usually MRSA
People with weakened immune systems, such as those. In long-term care facilities such as nursing homes
But now some otherwise healthy people who are not at risk for getting MRSA infection. This is called
community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) because it affects people outside of hospitals and nursing homes.
Children who spend a lot of time together in groups, such as camps, schools or college dorms are most at risk. Close
Quarterly people are likely to touch the same surfaces, have skin-to-skin contact, or share equipment that does not
been cleaned.
MRSA is contagious, while there is an infection of the skin. Sometimes people "carriers" of MRSA (that is, they keep be the
Bacteria on or in their body) for days, weeks or even years. You can expand it to other areas, even if they have no
Symptoms. That's why things like washing your hands is so important.
Signs and symptoms
MRSA infections often develop around open wounds, such as cuts, scratches or bites, but they can also occur on intact skin.
Red, swollen, painful bumps appear that sometimes weep fluid or pus. Some children also develop a fever.
In severe cases, the infection in the blood, lungs, bones, joints or other parts of the body has spread. MRSA also
can cause infections such as pneumonia. Fortunately, these complications are very rare in healthy children.
Treatment
MRSA infections require different medications and approaches to treatment than do other staph infections. For example, if
a skin abscess caused by MRSA, the doctor is more likely to have to drain the pus out of it, to be clear
Infection.
Doctors may prescribe antibiotics to treat a MRSA infection. More serious infections may need IV antibiotics given
in a hospital.
Prevention
MRSA may sound alarming because of its resistance to some antibiotics. The spread of MRSA but is possible to prevent
Clean simple measures:
Adults and children should wash their hands often with clean water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based instant
Hand sanitizers or wipes are good for if it. Lack access to soap and water
Keep cuts or broken skin clean with a bandage.
Do not share razors, towels, uniforms or other items that. In contact with the bare skin
Common sports equipment should be covered to prevent contact with a barrier (clothing or a towel) to the skin. The
Equipment should be cleaned before each use with a disinfectant that works against MRSA.
To prevent other bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, it is to take important for children and adults
Antibiotics as prescribed. This means that you give your child one ever another recipe or saving antibiotics "for the next
Times. "
Always give antibiotics in full to the recipe is finished (unless a doctor says it's OK to stop
early). Germs, which allowed to hang around after incomplete treatment of infection are more likely to
resistant to antibiotics.
Doctors can also recommend a mild diseases (especially those caused by viruses) run their course without
Antibiotics. If your doctor writes a disease or infection with a virus, antibiotics will not help - ask instead
about other ways to treat the symptoms and help your child feel better.