Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as “staph,” is a type of bacteria that can cause various infections.

While many staph bacteria are harmless, some strains can cause mild to severe infections that can be life-threatening if left untreated. Here’s what you need to know about staph infections:.

What are staph infections?

Staph infections are infections caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria can cause various types of infections ranging from minor skin infections to more serious, life-threatening infections like sepsis, endocarditis, and pneumonia.

What are the symptoms of staph infections?

The symptoms of staph infections can vary depending on the type of infection.

For skin infections, symptoms can include:.

Bumps, boils, or pus-filled lesions
Tenderness and warmth around the affected area
Skin redness
Fever

For more serious infections, symptoms may include:.

Fever and chills
Rapid heartbeat
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Shortness of breath
Unusual sweating

What causes staph infections?

Staph infections are caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria can be found on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. However, if the bacteria enter the body through a cut or wound, they can cause an infection.

Staph infections can also be spread from person to person through close contact. This can happen in settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.

How are staph infections diagnosed?

Your doctor may diagnose a staph infection based on your symptoms and a physical examination. They may also take a sample of the infected area and send it to a lab for testing.

The lab will test the sample for the presence of staph bacteria and may perform other tests to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection.

How are staph infections treated?

Treatment for staph infections depends on the severity of the infection.

For mild skin infections, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic cream or ointment to apply to the affected area.

For more serious infections, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics or recommend hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to drain pus or remove affected tissue.

Can staph infections be prevented?

Staph infections can be prevented by practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected people.

Here are some tips for preventing staph infections:.

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after touching areas like doorknobs or handles
Keep cuts and wounds clean and covered until they heal
Avoid sharing personal items like towels or razors
Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly
If you work in healthcare, follow proper infection control procedures, including wearing gloves and other protective equipment when appropriate

When should you see a doctor for a staph infection?

If you have symptoms of a staph infection, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Mild skin infections can usually be treated with over-the-counter creams, but more serious infections may require prescription medication or hospitalization.

If you experience symptoms like fever and rapid heartbeat, seek emergency medical attention right away.