As a family caregiver I keep an eye on health care products and information. One problem that a lot of people tend to overlook the potential seriousness of it the Staph infection.
Staph (pronounced: staff), a common example of which can be seen to the right, is the shortened name for the bacteria Staphylococcus (pronounced: staf-uh-low-kah-kus). Because the bacteria can live harmlessly on many skin surfaces, staph infection can be caused simply by touching an injured area. Although there are more than 30 species of staph, most staph infections are caused by the species Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).
While it is very rare, and most common in people with weakened immune systems from other causes, infections caused by S. aureus can occasionally be serious. If the bacteria moves from a skin liaison into the bloodstream it can lead to infections in other parts of the body. Such infections can affect the lungs, bones, joints, heart, blood, and even the central nervous system.
Infections in wounds usually appear two or more days after the injury. Signs of infection are: redness, pain, swelling, and warmth.
One staph infection that has recently moved out of hospitals and into the general population is MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus).
There are over the counter products available for fighting staph infection. Such products can be found in stores selling first aid products, including: Walgreens, Rite Aid, Brooks/Eckerd, CVS and Amazon.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
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