MRSA Skin Infections

MRSA is more common than one might think, yet many people have never heard of this infectious disease. How can you catch MRSA and what is the cure? For that matter what is MRSA anyways.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA for short is an infectious disease that rapidly spreads in intuitional settings. It knows no age boundaries, no racial lines, and no economic restrictions it's an equal opportunity germ. This is a powerful bacterium, which is very hard to kill because the more common antibiotics will not even touch it. To kill this bad germ powerful antibiotics and infection control are necessary. The sad part of this is most people do not realize they even are infected, until it is spread to uninfected people

MRSA is spread easily through hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers in a health care setting, Most commonly associated with IV tubing, artificial joints or unsatisfactory sterilizing procedures. An infected patient can spread the germ by a sneeze or cough as well in this setting. Medical staff can transfer this germ to other patients and medical staff may become infected themselves.

Another way this bacterium is spread is skin-to-skin contact. In locker rooms its easily spread as well by using a towel which has been used by an infected person as well as air born transfer. It's also easily spread in places where there is a group of people such as children in a day care setting. People who live in crowded conditions who share personal space and items are also at risk for MRSA if there is an infected person involved.

A MRSA infection generally begins on a body as a small cluster of pimples that morph into a blister, which becomes an abscess. This abscess is infection and it needs to be treated by powerful antibiotics. The abscess itself needs to be lanced by a doctor to allow it to drain. If left untreated the bacteria in the abscess can cause dangerous infections of other areas in the body, which may become fatal.

How can the public prevent this MRSA bacterium from reaching epidemic portions? Watch for the pimples, which morph into painful blisters. Also, watch for insect bites, scraps, and cuts, which morph into these blisters. When in doubt get to the doctor and get it checked out as soon as possible. If there is an infected person within your home, wear medical gloves when performing care. Keep the wound covered and wash hands often. Do not share towels with an infected person. for that matter if someone has MRSA, share nothing.

Resources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mrsa/DS00735/DSECTION=symptoms

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=121449

https://health.google.com/health/ref/MRSA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methicillin-resistant_Staphylococcus_aureus