MRSA is an infection caused by bacteria that are resistant to most common antibiotics. These skin infections can be painful and it can even lead to other complications if the bacteria enter the bloodstream. However, this condition can be treated, if identified quickly. Read on to find how to treat MRSA.
What is MRSA?
Staphylococcal Aureus is a bacteria that is part of the microflora in the human body. It is present in the respiratory tract, the nose, and the skin. MRSA or Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a form of the Staph aureus that has become highly resistant to many of the common antibiotics that are used in treating bacterial infections.
If you have any cuts or abrasions on the skin, this bacteria can cause a skin infection which is also referred to as MRSA. MRSA can be a Healthcare-Acquired condition or Community Acquired.
In HA-MRSA, people who are admitted to hospitals for surgery or other procedures like IV tubing are vulnerable to this condition. In community-acquired or CA-MRSA, the bacteria spread through contact, i.e skin to skin. Children at school, childcare workers, people who work in crowded environments can be at risk.
However, this is not a cause for panic, because most people have this staph bacteria in their body without getting or causing an infection. In fact, CA-MRSA is much milder than HA-MRSA.
According to recent data, both HA and CA MRSA are on the decline. But, it is still a common skin infection and is also one of the most common causes of infections in the bloodstream.
MRSA can be treated with certain select antibiotics.
Symptoms of MRSA
Symptoms of MRSA are red bumps on the skin that are painful to touch. They may be swollen and filled with fluids that begin to leak out. This may be accompanied by fever and fatigue. In severe forms of MRSA infections, mostly in HA-MRSA or long ignored CA-MRSA, you may feel a sensation of pain, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Data released by the Centers for Disease Control shows that most people carry the Staph bacteria in their nose and 2% of the population carries MRSA—without being ill and without causing illness in others. Only when there is a cut, wound, or a severe illness that has resulted in lowered resistance to diseases do you need to be careful.
How to treat MRSA
If you have a painful bump that is leaking, go see a doctor. It may not just be an insect bite. The doctor will perform an examination, take a sample of the bump in the skin and do a lab test, to confirm MRSA. In severe cases, other tests like urine and blood tests may be done to see if the MRSA has spread to the bloodstream and to other parts of the body.
Treatments for MRSA
Prevention
If you have an MRSA infection, take a break from work and stay isolated as MRSA is extremely contagious. Do not share clothing, toiletries, and other items. Follow the doctor’s orders and the prescribed course of treatment. Once the infection is cured:
How to treat MRSA with home remedies
MRSA affects 1.2 million people each year. However, it can be treated effectively with a combination of topical applications, medicines, maintaining a good hygiene, and following a healthy diet. You can also try some safe and tested home remedies like coconut oil, tea tree oil, and turmeric. It is always best to seek medical advice if you are unsure about the condition.
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