Staph infections can be easily treated.When a burn or wound gets contaminated, skin infections are the most common type of staph infection.If you keep the area clean and bandaged, minor infections will heal quickly.If symptoms get worse, you should see a doctor.Serious medical issues can be caused by staphbacteria, which can spread to the bloodstream.It is possible to prevent serious infections from becoming life-threatening with prompt treatment.
Step 1: There are areas of red, swollen skin that you should look for.
The most common type of staph infections are skin infections.They look like blisters, or areas of red skin that feels hot.Sometimes, they discharge something.The broken skin is prone to infections.The best way to prevent a skin staph infection is to wash your hands frequently.
Step 2: Check for abscesses or pockets of pus.
Abscesses are pockets of skin that are swollen.It hurts to touch them because they feel like they are filled with liquid, rather than a lump of skin.If you notice blisters that grow more and more painful, you should call your doctor.
Step 3: You need to wash your hands.
Before you change a bandage or clean the area, make sure you wash it thoroughly with soap and hot water.You wouldn't want to cause more harm to it.After washing your hands, make sure you don't spread germs.
Step 4: Keep it bandaged by soaking it 3 times per day.
Minor skin infections can be treated with proper home care.Prepare the area by washing it thoroughly, soaking it in warm water for 10 minutes, and covering it with a sterile bandage.Whenever it gets wet, change the bandage 2 to 3 times daily.Salt can be added to your warm water soaks.Try soaking the area in a solution of salt and warm water.Salt can help soothe your skin.Salt can help deter other contaminants.
Step 5: Don't try to drain it on your own.
Unless you are treating the infection, don't touch it.Before and after you give treatment, wash your hands.Don't try to drain or pop the abscess if you have it.It's a good idea to scratch an infection or pop an abscess in order to spread germs.
Step 6: If you have a serious skin infection, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
If you keep the wound clean, minor swelling or redness can go away on their own.If pain, swelling, or abscesses get worse, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.A doctor can diagnose and prescribe staph infections.If you can't see a doctor, keep the area covered with a sterile bandage.
Step 7: If you have food poisoning, get rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Staphbacteria are a common cause of food poisoning.When staph causes symptoms, they usually go away in a day or two.If you don't feel better in 48 hours, call your doctor.If you want to stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, sports drinks, and Pedialyte.Plain rice, soup, and other bland foods can be kept down.It is important to wash your hands frequently if you are sick or vomiting.
Step 8: If you think you might have arthritis, you should see your doctor.
staphbacteria are often the cause of Septic arthritis.You should schedule an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms.Infections are usually limited to one joint in the knees, ankles, or toes.There are sudden symptoms of septic arthritis.Joint pain and swelling can occur at different times during the day and affect more than one joint in other forms of arthritis.Your doctor will perform an examination and take a culture.They can remove excess fluid to decrease swelling.They can prescribe oral antibiotics or inject medication into the joint if they determine you have an illness.
Step 9: If you see signs of toxic shock syndrome, seek emergency medical care.
Staphbacteria can spread to the bloodstream and internal organs.There are a number of symptoms, including a red rash on the bottoms of the hands and feet.It's a medical emergency and needs immediate care.It can happen if you use a tampon for longer than the recommended amount of time.
Step 10: If you have symptoms of sepsis, get immediate help.
Sepsis is caused by the body's immune response to an infectious disease.There are a number of symptoms, including a rapid heartbeat, and a high temperature.Poor blood flow and organ failure can be caused by sepsis.If you have an illness that isn't healing and has symptoms of sepsis, you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible.People with compromised immune systems, infants, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses are more likely to develop sepsis.
Step 11: If you have serious or worsening symptoms, you should see your doctor.
You should seek medical attention if your skin infections gets worse, doesn't heal, or you develop serious symptoms.Minor skin infections can lead to major health concerns if not treated properly.It is important to see a doctor if you have a weakened immune system, a chronic illness, or are elderly.If your infant or young child has an illness that won't heal, they need to see a doctor.
Step 12: You can get a physical exam.
When you see the doctor, they will perform an exam and ask you when your symptoms began.They will likely order a culture to identify the cause of the infection.If you have a skin problem, they will take a sample of the skin or tissue.Doctors test blood samples forbacteria and take a white blood cell count, but treatment often begins before the results are available.These conditions are so serious that antibiotics and IV fluids need to be administered as soon as possible.
Step 13: Have any skin problems drained.
Your doctor might need to drain the abscess if you have a skin infection.They will numb the area, make a small cut, then dress it with bandages.After having an abscess drained, follow your doctor's instructions.If your doctor advises, you should clean the area 2 to 3 times a day.Whenever it gets wet, change the bandage 2 to 3 times a day.
Step 14: As directed, take any prescribed medications.
Staph infections that don't heal with home care are treated with antibiotics.Don't stop taking your medication if you feel better, take it according to your doctor's instructions.If you stop taking antibiotics early, the infection could come back or get worse.Your doctor may recommend taking a pain Reliever to combat swelling and other symptoms.
Step 15: If your symptoms do not improve, tell your doctor.
Many strains of Staph have become resistant to antibiotics.Within a couple of days, you should start to feel better because of the cultures that help doctors choose the right antibiotics.Call your doctor to discuss alternative medications if you don't.They could recommend stronger IV antibiotics.