Q: My doctor says I have a staph infection and prescribed Bactroban cream (mupirocen). I’d like more information about staph.
A: Staph is commonly used to talk about Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that actually lives on you. It’s normal to find it on the skin (or other places) of healthy people, even those who stay very clean. Any open wound or scratch on your skin could be an entry point for this deadly germ, so it’s important to practice good hygiene, especially if you’re a healthcare worker. Kids who play sports should exercise more caution because they come in contact with each other and often share equipment and towels. Taking showers after physical activity helps, as will keeping your hands clean.
Staph infections are not uncommon, but staph bacteria can mutate into a virulent form called MRSA (pronounced mersa). A MRSA infection is dangerous because it can’t be easily cured with common antibiotics like penicillin, amoxicillin or methicillin.
This season at my pharmacy, an alarmingly higher number of people have presented with staph infections. These look like either a pimple, a boil or ingrown hair; there’s usually redness, sometimes pus or swelling. The wound doesn’t always hurt. Staph infections are usually limited to the skin. The serious staph infections, including MRSA, can spark complications such as pneumonia, infections of the blood and toxic shock syndrome, and even lead to death.
If you develop a staph infection you should see your doctor or dermatologist. Tec labs has just put out a product called StaphAseptic, and it seems to head off MRSA infections. It’s better than Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic Ointment, according to studies. One lab study showed that StaphAseptic killed over 99 percent of MRSA. It’s available over-the- counter, which gives you no excuse to ignore your wound. Learn more at .
Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist. Write to her at .
