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Community Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA)
Littleton, NH - CA-MRSA infections are generally skin infections that may first appear as a boil or pimple. They are often red, swollen, painful, and sometimes have pus at the center. These infections are most common over the site of recent injury to the skin (cuts or abrasions) and areas of the body that are covered by hair (e.g., back of the neck, groin, buttock, armpit, and the beard area for men). Most MRSA skin infections require only drainage of the pus and often do not need antibiotics. You should never attempt to drain any infection yourself. Your medical care provider will determine when, where, and how an infection should be drained. More serious infections (pneumonia, bloodstream infections and bone infections) can occur but are rare in healthy people.
MRSA is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or contact with their personal belongings (e.g. razors, towels and bandages). Some areas where MRSA skin infections have originated are: schools, dormitories, military barracks, households, correctional facilities and daycare centers.
The single most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to practice good hygiene, especially hand hygiene. Alcohol based hand rubs are a convenient and effective way to kill bacteria, including MRSA. Other measures that you and your family can take are:
· Cover abrasions or cuts with a clean dry bandage until it heals,
· Avoid sharing personal items
· Use a barrier (like a towel) between you and your skin when using gym equipment
· Get in the habit of regularly cleaning surfaces that come into direct contact with people's skin, (at home and at work).
If you have an MRSA skin infection there are things you can do to prevent others from getting it. First, keep the wound covered at all times until it is healed; discard used bandages in the garbage. Next, practice good hand hygiene, especially after changing the dressing on your wound. Remember not to share your personal items, and ALWAYS follow your care provider's instructions. If you have been prescribed an antibiotic, use it as directed and NEVER share the medication with anyone else.
Resource: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. To learn more about MRSA and other related topics, go to www.cdc.gov and type MRSA in the search field. Stay healthy!
For information about infection control, contact LRH's Infection Control department at (603) 444-9285.
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