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Nurse's Notes

MRSA

by Joni Brunkhorst

MRSA INFECTIONS


Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a “staph” infection. Everyone has bacteria on their skin and in their noses. Some bacteria can cause an infection if there is a break in the skin. Staph bacteria are among the most common causes of skin infections. In the past, most staph infections were treated with antibiotics related to penicillin. The staph infection related with MRSA is resistant to many of the “usual” antibiotics. Many times the first sign is an infected boil or red raised area that are often mistaken for a spider bite. MRSA is spread by contact with infected skin or a contaminated object. 


Risk factors include:

*Sharing items like towels, razors, sports equipment that may have bacteria on them.

*Having an active skin infection

*Getting a tattoo at an unlicensed place

*Close contact with others who have MRSA germs growing on their skin (such as a locker room)

*Hospitalization may increase your susceptibility to getting MRSA

*Another family member with MRSA 



TREATMENT

*Many staph infections may be treated with certain antibiotics. If the doctor prescribes an antibiotic, it is very important to take all the medication as prescribed. Call the doctor if anyone has a painful sore, lesion, or boil type sore.

*If an ointment is prescribed, apply to all skin sores, even tiny ones

*Your child should not participate in sports until the infection is healed.


PREVENTION
MRSA is spread by direct contact it is not spread through the air.

  • Do not share towels, clothing, or personal items. Wash towels and practice gear daily

  • Wash your hands often for 15-20 seconds. Use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

  • Keep cuts, scrapes and sores clean, dry and covered until they are healed. 

  • Don't touch other people's wounds or items that have touched their wounds. Teach children not to touch or pick at wounds.

  • Students should shower after every athletic activity using antibacterial soap and a clean towel. 

  • Wipe sports equipment down after each person's work out session with a disinfectant wipe before the next person begins their work out session.

  • Do not participate in activities until sores are healed and gone. 




 
 

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