Staph infection
Overview
Staph infections are caused by bacteria called staphylococcus. They most often affect the skin. They can go away on their own, but sometimes need to be treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a staph skin infection can include: a painful red lump or bump (aboil, carbuncle orabscess)hot, red and swollen skin (cellulitis)sores, crusts or blisters (impetigo)sore, red eyelids or eyes (styesorconjunctivitis) Redness affecting the skin or eyelids may be harder to see on brown or black skin. Staph bacteria can also cause more serious infections, like blood poisoning andtoxic shock syndrome. These are much less common than skin infections.
Treatment
Staph infections usually get better on their own, but you may need treatment from a GP if your symptoms do not get better after a week. You may need: antibiotic tablets, creams or eye dropsa small procedure to have any boils, carbuncles or abscesses drained and cleaneda stye removed by a GP Some people may be referred to a specialist if treatment from a GP does not help.
Prevention
It can be difficult to prevent staph infections because many people have the bacteria on their skin. But there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting an infection or spreading the bacteria to others. wash your hands with soap and water regularly wash your hands with soap and water regularly keep your skin clean by having a bath or shower every day keep your skin clean by having a bath or shower every day keep any cuts clean and covered keep any cuts clean and covered use disposable tissues to blow your nose use disposable tissues to blow your nose do not share towels, washcloths, bed linen, toothbrushes or razors do not share towels, washcloths, bed linen, toothbrushes or razors