What causes staph infections?

Question

I had a abccess (not sure how to spell it sorry) and I had it drained. I have a really weak immune system so I am subject to get all sorts of infections. I was on sulfameth/trimethoprim 800/160tabs. Now about a month later in the same spot the area seems to have a hole and blood is seeping out. I am sick of going to the doctor because they tend to do the same old thing and its not helping. Does anyone know what causes these infections, why my skin is tearing into a hole, and what I should do? Please HELP.

Answer 1

1. Think of an infection as a "relationship" between a host and a microorganism. Most of these relationships result in simple "colonization". When this happens, the person is a carrier. They are not sick.
2. Occasionally, the microorganism gains the upper hand. "Staph" Infections tend to develop when any species of Staphylococci invade the tissues resulting in damage at the cellular level.
3. What are your risk factors? The absence of healthy, intact skin is a huge risk factor. Do you have chronic rashes or excoriation? Do you wash your hands on a regular basis?
4. An abscess is a collection of bacteria, pus, and debris collected locally. This collection usually is contained in a "sac". If the Dr. drains the site, he must remove the sac or it will keep filling up with "stuff". The Dr. may also opt to keep the wound open allowing it to heal by "filling-in" with tissue.
5. Recurrent or relapsing infections at the same site need to be considered as drug-resistant to the previous treatment. Ask you doctor to culture the site to identify the causative organism along with the susceptibility of antimicrobial agents.

My advice is to wash your hands frequently, keep the infection site covered to prevent external contamination, encourage fluids and nutrition, and see a physician who understands multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in the community.

Answer 2

My compliments to “The Answer Fairy”, but staphylococcus is most definitely NOT a virus, it is a bacteria. The name comes from the Greek “staphyle” means bunch of grapes and “coccos” means granule. This describes their formation under a microscope – like a bunch of grapes or granules.
Persons with diabetes, dermatitis, and weakened immune systems are more likely to develop staph infections. Gently soak the area with a warm, moist cloth several times each day. Never squeeze a boil or attempt to cut it open at home because this can spread the infection and make it worse. You need treatment if the boil lasts longer than two weeks, returns frequently, is located on the spine or the middle of the face, or occurs along with a fever or other symptoms. Treatment helps reduce complications related to an infection. Antibacterial soaps may help to stop any further infection and cleanse the area. Proper hygiene is very important to prevent the spread of infection. Always wash your hands very well after touching a boil or carbuncle. Do not re-use or share washcloths or towels -- this can cause the infection to spread. Clothing, washcloths, towels, and sheets or other items that contact infected areas should be washed in very hot (preferably boiling) water. Bandages should be changed frequently and thrown away in a bag that can be tightly closed. If the condition continues, your doctor’s diagnosis will be primarily based on what the skin looks like. A skin biopsy may be done to help make the diagnosis or determine the exact type of bacteria involved. The usual treatment then is antibiotics applied to the skin or taken by mouth.


Hope this helps
matador 89

Answer 3

staph normally lives on the human skin, and it doesn't cause problems as such. But, when the skin is broken and not properly cleaned a staph infection can result and be a real pain to get rid of and heal. Especially if it happens to be a resistant form of staph like MRSA (methlocillin resistant staph aureas). You don't say how long he has had this infection, but I would say if it is not better after two weeks, he needs to see a doctor for further treatment.

Answer 4

From your description, it looks like the doctor was treating the current staph infection and not attempting to prevent future infections. Staff bacteria live on the skin and in the nose of many people, and it only causes infections when it gets into a pore or cut. This provides a constant source of bacteria for new infections. To stop recurring infections, the bacteria need to be completely eliminated from your skin and nose (and also towels, sheets, clothes, and anything else that comes into contact with your skin).

Its very difficult to completely get rid of staph once it is established on your skin, but it can sometimes be done. You have to wash sheets, towels and clothes in a detergent that kills bacteria after each use. Then you also need to take an oral antibiotic along with an antibiotic nasal spray. This is the best that can be done and it doesn't always work.

During your next Doctor visit talk to the doc about eliminating the staph colonization on your skin and in your nose.

Answer 5

You're right. Doctors are a pain in the butt (especially a proctologist, hahhahah!). Unfortunately, your options are limited. You can try going to an herbalist, but you need to treat your bleeding hole!

Staph infection is caused by a virus. It can be carried on the skin. Most people have it on their skin to some degree... but people in hospitals have more. If they aren't careful, the doctors operating on an open wound can get it into your blood. Thus, infection.

Go to the doctor.

Answer 6

Agree with 2nd poster- Staph infections are bacteria, not a virus.

If it is a staph infection you should be able to clear it up with antibiotics- but what you have ("bleeding hole") doesn't sound like any staph infection I've heard of.

If you're dissatisfied with your doctor, go get a second opinion.

Answer 7

Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria can be present in human and animal fluids as well as in harvested vegetables.

Staph infection (for example looks like a bruise or boil that wont go away, ultra sensitive) is usually caused by coming into contact with someone or something that had it. Highly contageous. It can even come from clothing that isnt clean. (think aprons).

Just not keeping hands clean and generally low cleanliness habits. Food hygiene is important (keep raw meat separate, wash veggies etc). Keep hand sanitizer in a prominent place.