STAPH INFECTION
What Is It?
A bacterial infection that may result from an open sore or chronically compromised skin (acne, eczema, psoriasis) that goes untreated.
What Causes It?
Staph bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) can live harmlessly on closed skin. But, when traces of the bacteria enter the body via an open wound — either through contact with contaminated objects, or skin-to-skin contact — they can eventually enter the bloodstream and become more serious.
(And yeah, we used a pic of Gandalf holding his staff because the photos of staph infection were so vomitous. In other words, do whatever you have to do to make sure you don’t get it.)
How Can I Treat It?
Use triple antibiotic ointment (Neosporin) to treat any open wounds, and pay attention to wounds that don’t heal. Look for signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth and pain around the area.
What Happens If I Don’t?
MRSA (methicillin resistant staph aureus) is on the rise. This type of staph infection is difficult to treat with most antibiotics. Any untreated sore or infection may progress to a widespread infection that could lead to a loss of a limb or even death. Or death by loss of limbs!
