A staph infection is caused by the bacteria staphylococcus aureus, which can trigger a variety of diseases.

In a busy and rushing life people often don’t pay attention to minor skin problems like itching and wounds left open due to scratching that can lead to more problematic infections.

Nobody thinks that scratching a tiny pimple on the leg can lead to a major heart problem, but this is what a staph infection is actually capable of doing.

Staph infections range from mild problems like boils to antibiotic-resistant infections such as MRSA. S. aureus also releases toxins that can lead to food poisoning. These bacteria can thrive on dry surfaces, skin surfaces and people can catch an infection easily from contaminated objects or skin-to-skin contact.

Though anyone can develop a staph infection, people who are at greater risk are those  with skin disorders or weakened immune systems.

Common signs of a staph skin infection include:

• Folliculitis: an infection where white-headed pimples appear at the hair follicles.
• Furuncle: commonly called a boil, it is a swollen and painful lump that grows larger and painful until it bursts and drains out.
• Impetigo: small and itchy blisters that develop a honey-coloured crust.
• Cellulitis: an infection that causes swelling, pain, redness and warmth on the skin.
• Hordeolum: a painful swelling near the eyelid’s edge.
• Staph bacteria on entering the bloodstream through an open wound on the skin can lead to serious internal infections in the body. It can affect the lungs, bones, joints, heart, blood, and even central nervous system. One life threatening infection is pyaemia.

Now the question is, how to prevent an infection?

The main point in preventing staph infection is to maintain good personal hygiene and clean surroundings.

Treat cuts and wounds with an antiseptic to prevent staph from entering the bloodstream.

Take care handling food and with meal preparation.

Avoid sharing towels and other items when living close together in group situations.

Use Triclosan-free antibacterial soaps like Defense Soap. Its natural ingredients such as tea tree oil and eucalyptus are known to possess antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.

Keep the infected area covered, preventing it from spreading to others as well as other parts of your own body.

Treatment includes an antibiotic prescription depending on the staph infection. But as it is often said, prevention is better than a cure. Preventing staph will keep all the problems away.