Staph infection: What you need to know
I took my three-week-old daughter to the doctor for what I thought was a really bad diaper rash. He said that she had a staph infection. Could you please tell me what this is and what causes it?
Question:Robert Steele
Robert W. Steele, MD, is a board certified pediatrician at St. John's Regional Health Center in Springfield, MO. He graduated from medical... Read more
Bacteria is found throughout our environment. In fact, we have bacteria all over our skin. The skin is an excellent protector, keeping these bacteria from invading our bodies, but, whenever this barrier breaks down, there is a risk of these ever-present bacteria invading the body. Once in the body, our immune systems usually take care of these unwanted visitors, however, sometimes this defense also breaks down or is overpowered.
There are certain types of bacteria that tend to hang out on our skin. One of these bacteria is called Staphylococcus aureus, or more commonly called Staph. Cuts, abrasions, and severe diaper rash may be invaded by Staph, causing an infection.
Signs of an infected skin area include, severe redness, pain, pus, and fever.
When caught early, a staph infection is easily treated with topical antibiotic ointment. If it is more extensive, oral antibiotics may be required to cure the infection.
Answer:
