Staph infections are caused by bacteria called staphylococcus.
They usually affect the skin, and often go away on their own. But sometimes you may need treatment with antibiotics. If you have a boil or abscess you may need to have it drained.
Symptoms of a staph skin infection
Staph bacteria often cause skin infections.
They may cause more serious infections, such as blood poisoning and toxic shock syndrome. But these are much less common.
They can also cause infection of implanted devices such as pacemakers or joint replacements.
Symptoms of a staph skin infection can include:
A painful red lump or bump
Read about boils and carbuncles and abscesses
Hot, red and swollen skin
Read more about cellulitis.
Sores, crusts or blisters
Read more about impetigo.
Sore, red eyelids or eyes
Read more about styes and conjunctivitis.
When to talk to your GP
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if
you think you have a staph skin infection and:
- it's getting worse or spreading quickly
- it lasts more than a week
- you have a weakened immune system - for example, you have had an organ transplant or you're having chemotherapy
You might need antibiotics to treat the infection.
See your GP urgently if have a fever or signs of sepsis.
How staph infections spread
The bacteria that cause staph infections live harmlessly on many people's skin. They often live in the nose and armpits and on the bottom.
They usually only cause an infection if they get into the skin. For example, through a bite or cut.
Staph bacteria can spread to others through:
- close skin contact
- sharing things like towels or toothbrushes
- droplets in coughs and sneezes (less common)
Preventing staph infections
It can be difficult to prevent staph infections because many people have the bacteria on their skin.
But there are things you can do to reduce your chances of getting an infection or spreading the bacteria to others.
Do
-
wash your hands with soap and water regularly
-
keep your skin clean by having a bath or shower every day
-
keep any cuts clean and covered
-
use disposable tissues to blow your nose
Don't
-
do not share towels, washcloths, bed linen, toothbrushes and razors
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
