Staphylococcus bacteria cause staph infections. There are many types of staph infections, and depending on the cause, doctors may use antibiotics, surgery, or other methods to treat them.
A staph infection is an infection with the bacteria Staphylococcus, which people often refer to by the abbreviation “staph.” There are more than 30 types of Staphylococcus bacteria.
Staphylococcus aureus, which lives on the skin and in the nose of some people, is responsible for most infections.
This article examines the causes, types, symptoms, and treatment of staph infections. It also discusses the risk factors and the recovery time for people with these infections.
Approximately 20% of adults carry staph bacteria on their skin and approximately 30% in their nasal cavities.
Staph bacteria generally do not cause harm unless they enter the body through a wound. When this happens, the bacteria can produce an open sores either on the skin, or internally. These systemic infections can be severe and even fatal.
Staph infections are contagious. Sneezing, coughing, or touching an infected wound can spread the infection, but many cases occur when a person comes into contact with a contaminated object. Direct person-to-person contact with someone who has the infection can also allow it to spread.
Staph bacteria can cause a variety of infections, including:
- skin infections, which lead to open sores
- infection of the bloodstream, known as bacteremia
- infection of the bone
- endocarditis, an infection of the lining of the heart
- food poisoning
- pneumonia
- toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
Antibiotics are effective treatments for most staph infections.
However, there is a type of staph called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that is
Staph infections can affect any area of the skin and, once they enter the body through an open wound, many internal systems. Without treatment, they can cause sepsis.
Although many people carry staph bacteria on their skin or noses, not all will develop an infection. Infection only occurs when staph bacteria enter the skin or body through a cut, scrape, wound, or food ingestion.
Staph bacteria can spread to a person through skin-to-skin contact with someone with the infection. Therefore, practicing good hygiene is the best way to avoid a staph infection.
Some steps to follow include:
- washing the hands thoroughly with soap and water
- covering wounds with clean, dry bandages
- disposing of bandages and dressings directly into the trash
- avoiding picking at pimples or bumps on the skin
- avoiding sharing personal items, such as towels, razors, and washcloths
The symptoms of a staph infection will vary depending on the type of infection and may include:
- Skin infections: These can create bumps or sores that may swell or be painful. They may contain pus or other fluid, and a crust might form. Cellulitis can occur, in which the skin becomes discolored and feels warm.
- Bone infections: These infections may bring pain, swelling, warmth, and discoloration to the area of infection. They can also cause fever and chills.
- Endocarditis: Endocarditis is an infection of the heart’s lining. It creates flu-like symptoms, including fever, fatigue, chills, a fast heartbeat, and shortness of breath. It can also cause fluid to build up in the arms and legs.
- Food poisoning: Food poisoning causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and possible dehydration.
- Pneumonia: This infection of the lungs causes high fever, a cough, chills, possible chest pain, and shortness of breath.
- TSS: TSS will cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion. A sunburn-like rash may also develop.
When a doctor suspects a staph infection, they will ask the person questions about their symptoms and may take a blood test or culture of the affected skin. If they suspect staph, they will seek to begin treatment quickly to avoid further illness.
The cause of a staph infection is staph bacteria entering the body. This may occur as a result of:
- picking or scratching at pimples, sores, or bumps on the skin
- coming into contact with someone else who has a staph infection
- being in a situation that gives them high exposure to the bacteria, such as surgery or a hospital stay
- sharing personal items, such as towels, razors, or makeup, with someone with the infection
- acquiring the bacteria from shared surfaces, such as gym equipment
People can take steps to protect themselves against infection from staph bacteria. These include:
- washing the hands thoroughly with soap and hot water
- covering cuts and scrapes with dry, clean bandages
- drying clothes in a hot dryer, which kills bacteria
- sanitizing shared surfaces regularly
Treatment options will depend on the type and severity of the staph infection. Most treatment courses will involve antibiotics. Depending on the type of infection, a doctor may prescribe:
- oral antibiotics
- creams or ointments
- intravenous antibiotics
In many cases, this will be enough to treat the infection. However, other interventions may be necessary in other cases.
For example, if a skin staph infection involves pus buildup, drainage may be necessary. Staph infections that spread to the bones and other internal tissues may require surgery.
Doctors
Some people have an increased risk of staph infections. These individuals include those who:
People at higher risk should take care to wash their hands thoroughly and regularly and to sterilize shared surfaces whenever possible. They may also wish to avoid sharing personal items, such as towels, washcloths, and sports equipment.
The recovery time for a staph infection depends on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the strength of a person’s immune system.
Food poisoning staph will usually pass within 24 to 48 hours, but it may take 3 days or longer to feel well.
A staph infection at the surface of the skin may heal with just a few days of treatment. However, if a large sore or wound has developed, it may require several weeks of treatment or longer.
If a systemic staph infection develops in the heart, lungs, bloodstream, or another organ system, treatment can take weeks to months. In rare cases, these staph infections can lead to sepsis, a dangerous condition in which the immune system has an exaggerated response to infection.
Below are frequently asked questions relating to staph infections.
Is a staph infection contagious?
Yes. Staph infections can transmit through contact with staph bacteria on people and objects.
How do you usually get a staph infection?
Staph infections occur when bacteria enter the body through skin barrier breaks, the respiratory system, or ingestion of contaminated food.
How long can staph infection stay in the body?
The duration of a staph infection will depend on its cause and severity.
Food poisoning staph will usually pass within 24 to 48 hours, while skin infections may pass within a few days of treatment. In the case of systemic infections, treatment may take weeks to months to clear the infection.
Will staph go away on its own?
Some mild forms of staph infections can resolve without medical intervention.
It is normal for staph bacteria to live on the skin and in the nose of some people. Problems only arise when staph bacteria enter the body through a cut, wound, or contaminated food when they can lead to infection.
People who live, work, or play sports in proximity with others and those with certain health conditions have a higher risk of staph infections. Being in the hospital or having surgery also increases the risk of contracting a staph infection.
A person with symptoms of a staph infection should seek treatment to avoid complications. People who have a weakened immune system should speak with a doctor as soon as they suspect that they have an infection.