Skin infections can occur in hospitals, nursing homes and even the community, and they are regularly in the news. You often think of skin infections as something minor, such as an infected cut, but more recently the microorganisms that cause these infections are becoming more deadly. Serious wounds, chronic problems, and even surgery to remove the infected tissue are becoming more common.
Your skin acts as a barrier to infections. If the skin is damaged, however, microorganisms are able to enter and infect not only the damaged skin, but your body as well. Most of these infections are caused by microorganisms that are normally found right on your skin surface, and at the latest count there are over 180 possible types.
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One of the most common bacteria found on the skin is Staphylococcus aureus or “staph.” It is usually a harmless bacteria with about 15 to 40 per cent of people having it naturally on their skin and mucous membrane surfaces, for example in their noses and mouths. Staph bacteria look like small clusters of grapes or short chains of beads and, at 0.6 micrometres in diameter, they can only be seen with a microscope. A pinhead is about 40,000 times larger!
Staph infections of hair follicles results in folliculitis and most often occur where the skin has been shaved. Boils or furnucles are large, draining sores which involve the complete hair follicle and surrounding tissues. A stye or hordeolum is a staph infection of the eyelid. Impetigo is a superficial infection most commonly of the face and hands affecting children and people living in close quarters. Because staph infections spread readily by skin-to-skin contact, prevention is key.
Cellulitis involves the skin and underlying soft tissue, while osteomyelitis is a bone infection. The symptoms of both include warmth, pain and redness, and treatment is usually aggressive with intravenous antibiotics. The idea is to avoid sepsis, amputation, and in the most severe cases, death.
At one time, serious staph infections seemed to only occur in hospitals, but today they are seen outside hospitals with community associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA being more often reported. Estimates vary, but at least 50 per cent of staph is thought to be methicillin resistant, and if you get this type of staph infection the antibiotic choices are more limited.
Obviously, you want to use antibiotics wisely to prevent resistance. Use antibiotics only for bacterial infections, not the common cold or flu which is a viral infection. Also complete the full course of antibiotics even though you feel better, and don’t share or exchange antibiotics.
Some people are more at risk for staph infections. Skin conditions that are characterized by broken skin such as eczema, psoriasis, burns, and even dry skin are more at risk for skin infections. Cuts, scrapes and surgical incisions should be kept clean, and at the first sign of infection medical attention should be sought.
Poor wound healing from alcoholism and malnutrition can contribute to skin damage and infections, as can diabetes and kidney failure. With a weakened immune system (from cancer and its therapy, for example) your body is less able to combat skin infections.
Keeping your skin clean and undamaged is a great way of preventing skin infections. Wash your skin regularly, especially your hands, and avoid touching your nose, eyes or mouth, since this could spread bacteria.
Because staph infections thrive in warm, moist areas, increased sweating can contribute to these infections. In warm weather, you definitely want to wash frequently and keep your skin dry and cool. And, if you or someone you know has a staph infection, don’t share towels, bedding, clothing, and other potentially contaminated objects.
And remember, when you wash your hands, you need to wash all the surfaces of your hands with soap and water for about the time it takes you to recite your ABCs.
Marie Berry is a lawyer/pharmacist interested in health care and education.
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In Canada, it is estimated that a child is exposed to a potentially toxic substance every 15 seconds. That figure may seem high to you, but remember it includes toxic substances like air pollution, potential allergens, and even metals such as lead. The important idea to remember is that accidental poisonings for children can have deadly consequences and everyone, even grandparents, aunts, uncles, and next-door neighbours should poison-proof their homes. Next month we’ll talk about steps you can take to make your home safer for children.
