Staph Infection: When To Visit Urgent Care

Staph infections can be confusing to understand. There are some staph infections that simple home remedies can treat. In other cases, the infection becomes resistant to antibiotics, and treatment at urgent care will be necessary.

Common Staph Infection Causes

There are several different causes of staph infection. They can be spread through sneezes, coughs and other ways, such as:

• Bacteria enters the skin through a cut, handling contaminated clothing or bedding.
• Eating contaminated food.
• Improper use of tampons.
• Through breastfeeding.
• Having poor dental health increases risk of staph bacteria entering the bloodstream.

Staph infections are caused by the staphylococcus bacteria that generally live on the skin and in the nose of healthy people. When there is an overgrowth or this bacterium is found under the skin and in unusual places, you have a staph infection.

Preventing Staph Infection

Staph infection prevention depends on the type you are trying to prevent. Consider the following prevention tips:

• Keep cuts clean and wash your hands and body regularly.
• Avoid sharing or reusing towels.
• Handle food according to safety guidelines. Cook and store properly.
• Avoid tampon use when you can and change every couple of hours when using them.
• Let nipples air dry when breastfeeding and keep the area clean.
• Keep bedding and clothing clean.

Common Types of Staph Infections and Treatment

Depending on where it affects the body, there are several different types of staph infections, and any of them could land you in urgent care. Some of the more common staph infections and their symptoms are:

Boils

When a hair follicle or oil gland gets infected with pockets of pus, it is called a boil. Symptoms are swollen skin that forms a pimple-like head and oozes pus.

Cellulitis

This is when staph bacteria enter the skin, causing cellulitis. Symptoms of this staph infection include red and raised skin and oozing sores.

Impetigo

This staph infection is very contagious. The symptoms include blisters on the skin that ooze clear fluid and form a yellow crust.

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS)

This type of staph infection occurs more commonly in babies and young children. The symptoms include blisters, rash and fever.

Septic Arthritis

When staph bacteria enter the toes, knees, shoulders, hips and fingers, it is called septic arthritis. Symptoms include painful, swollen joints and fever.

Toxic Shock Syndrome

This condition is commonly associated with tampon use. Symptoms are stomach aches, muscle aches, fever and diarrhea. The infection may also cause rashes on the hands and feet as well as confusion.

Food Poisoning

Staph bacteria cause some cases of food poisoning. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and low blood pressure.

Bacteremia

This is the term used when staph bacteria enter the blood. The symptoms include fever and low blood pressure. These staph infections are called meningitis, endocarditis and pneumonia, depending on the part of the body they affect.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infection (MRSA)

When staph infections are not reacting to the treatment of antibiotics, they can turn into MRSA infections. Symptoms include painful, swollen, hot skin and fever.

Get Staph Infection Treatment at ProMedica Toledo Hospital Emergency and Urgent Care

Treating staph infection varies depending on the part of the body affected. Generally, cleaning the area is the first step, and administering antibiotics is next. Common antibiotics prescribed are daptomycin, linezolid, oxacillin, cefazolin and nafcillin.

ProMedica Toledo Hospital Emergency and Urgent Care provides patients with quality care and services. Staff are ER-trained to determine patient conditions, and patients only pay for the level of service they receive - either ER or urgent care. The emergency department is open 24/7 and the urgent care clinic is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. You don't need an appointment. All walk-ins are welcome.

ProMedica Toledo Hospital Emergency and Urgent Care is located at 1075 Medical Center Parkway, Maumee, OH 43537.