Staph Infection Acne Guide
About Staph Infection Acne
Staph infection is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus_._ The bacteria is estimated to be present in the nose, mouth, and genital area of up to 25% of people as part of what is known as the normal microflora (this term refers to the various types of bacteria that normally inhabit human skin).
Staphylococcus bacteria don’t normally cause infections – it’s not dangerous to have these bacteria living on your skin. However, infection can result if bacteria begin growing in a cut or scrape in the skin. Most such infections are relatively harmless. In some cases the infection may become serious, depending on the type of bacteria involved, or the location of the infection.
Staph infection acne can closely resemble normal acne, so it can be difficult to decide whether your acne needs medical treatment. If you are getting pimples in places where you don’t normally get them, or if your acne is unusually painful or severe, it’s probably time to get some advice from your doctor.
Treating Acne caused by Staph Infection
Occasionally, staph infection acne can be treated simply by keeping the affected area clean and free of irritation. However, most people will find their staph infection requires antibiotic treatment with penicillin, a penicillin analog, or a more potent drug combination.
If you suspect your acne is caused by a staph infection, visit your doctor to find out. They will likely take a swab of the infected area. The swab is then sent to a lab, where bacteria are cultured to determine whether staphylococcus is present. Once the diagnosis is made, your doctor will prescribe the right antibiotics.
Prevention
Preventing staph infection acne is usually a simple matter. Good hygiene is important for preventing acne infection. Additionally, it is important to understand that any break or abrasion in the skin can potentially result in a staph infection, if the bacteria are present on the skin. In some cases, for example, a staph infection may be the result of skin irritation caused by shaving the skin or plucking hairs, or a skin rash caused by allergy-inducing cosmetics.
Keeping skin clean and free from irritation and abrasion can therefore help prevent staph infection acne, or reduce the frequency of breakouts.
References
Staph Infection Information at WebMD
The Mayo Clinic on Staph Infection
Staph Infection Information at the Centers for Disease Control
