Do you know what MRSA is? You may have heard about this on the news recently. MRSA is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and it refers to types of staph that are resistant to a type of antibiotic methicillin. It is often resistant to other types of antibiotics as well. Staph or MRSA infections in the community are usually manifested as skin infections that look like pimples or boils and occur in otherwise healthy people. Approximately 1% of the population have MRSA bacteria on their skin, and it usually doesn’t cause an infection.
Most people are concerned as to How can I get MRSA? Or better yet, How can I avoid getting MRSA? The Centers for Disease Control list something called the 5 C’s. These will help you remember what to look for to help prevent exposure to MRSA. They are as follows: Crowding, frequent skin-to-skin Contact, Compromised skin (i.e., cuts or abrasions), Contaminated items and surfaces, and lack of Cleanliness. Locations where the 5 C’s are common include schools, dormitories, military barracks, households, correctional facilities, and daycare centers.
If you think you have a skin infection that may be MRSA, get it checked by a health care professional.
Your skin is best defense against MRSA and many other unwelcome bacteria. Healthy skin will go a long way to preventing MRSA. Unhealthy, dry, itching skin invites scratching; and scratching invites bacteria to enter the body. See my post on 5 ways to soothe dry skin. It may help you have healthier skin.
Feel free to leave comments here about this post. Do you have experience with MRSA that you could share with everyone?
Posted: March 31st, 2008 under Disease.
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