Staph infections are caused by a bacterium known as staphylococcus which is round-shaped and is found as single or double cells and even in the form of clusters. Any part of the body can contract this condition. Typically, most staph infections begin by infesting the skin or the cuts on it. At times, they can enter the bloodstream and spread in different body areas causing alarming health conditions.
Any person can get a staph infection, but the individuals who are at a maximum risk of catching it are
In case you are wondering what does a staph infection looks like, it is characterized by skin conditions like a sty, boils, furuncles or carbuncles and sometimes they can exhibit themselves in serious forms such as impetigo, cellulitis or folliculitis. On the other hand, if you are dealing with more dangerous sorts of internal staph infections then there might be signs of food poisoning, blood poisoning, toxic shock syndrome, pneumonia, sepsis, etc.
Milder forms of staph infections will be scrutinized with the help of physical exams and lab exams involving the testing of blood, tissue or secretion samples. Based on the results the doctor will recommend the best treatment plan. These can comprise the use of oral antibiotics, draining the wound or removal of the device (if your staph infection is caused due to a prosthetic or medical device). In the case of antibiotic resistance, doctors may introduce IV antibiotics which are stronger than the regular oral variants.
The onset of staph infections is unpredictable, but it can be easily taken care of with some simple precautions such as