How To Prevent Skin Infections Caused By Staphylococcus Aureus

Skin infections are fairly commonplace. This is because bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites are abundant in our world. Co-existing with them, means we need to do all we can to make sure that bacterium, viruses, fungi and parasites do not cause us harm. We safeguard our family members from things that cause disease by following healthcare guidelines set by organizations and by our healthcare professionals.

Understanding how skin infections spread can help us to prevent infection in our own family. When we know how bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites can infect us, then we can better grasp why it is important to follow safety guidelines that will protect us from getting skin infections.

One common bacterium that can cause skin infections actually lives on our skin and in our noses. This bacterium is not harmful usually. It can cause skin infections when it enters our skin through any break in the skin (cuts, abrasions, cracks, wounds). The bacteria, I am speaking of is: Staphylococcus aureus. Most of the time even when we contract a Staph skin infection it is mild. There is one skin infection caused by the Staphylococcus aureus that is not mild and can cause us great harm, even death. MRSA is a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus that is a serious threat to your health because it is resistant to many antibiotics and therefore difficult to treat. It spreads due to direct contact and by sharing items such as towels, clothing of any kind, razors, and other items where there is contact with skin. This infection is often seen being spread at gyms, and sport team locker rooms, hospitals, nursing homes and any close living quarters.

The way it spreads is the key to preventing infestation. Making a firm rule never to share personal items with others especially in any of the above mentioned situations and cautioning other family members to follow the same rules would help to stop the infection from spreading through our families.

It is also important to prevent skin infections by caring for any open entrance to the body through the skin such as cuts, scrapes, scratches, cracks in dry skin, open wounds including surgical wounds and any area of irritation on the skin such as rashes and sunburn.

You can protect these open areas on the skin by covering all skin wounds after first cleaning them.

Other steps that can be taken to stop the spread of skin infections are:

* Practice good personal hygiene by frequent showers

* Washing with soap and water after all practices and competition

* All facilities should have an adequate supply of water and soap

* Never share personal items especially clothing, towels, razors or equipment without cleaning it off first before using (if you must share).

* Assure that all coaches and athletes are trained in first aid, especially wound care and in recognizing possible wounds infections.

* Encourage team members to report any diagnosed skin infections or suspicious wounds to coaches for the protection of team members.

* Coaches should access their team members on a regular basis for the presence of skin lesions.