What is (MRSA) Methicillin-Resistant Staph Aureus?
MRSA is a bacteria that historically was not that prevalent in the general community. It was more common in nursing homes and hospital facilities and over the years has made it’s way to the public sector. Its’ frequency in nursing homes and hospitals was primarily due to close proximity to ill patients, the frequency of general antibiotics being used and the mutation of staph that became resistant to penicillins over time. For the purpose of this article we will stay focused to skin involved MRSA which presents as a cellulitis ( skin infection.) It is commonly confused with the general public as a spider bite and presents as a lump, abscess type formation that is red, warm and painful. Superficial skin MRSA is not a diagnosis to induce fear and can be readily treated. When MRSA becomes infectious to the respiratory system, or systemically effecting general systems it is much more serious and needs hospitalization. Superficial cellulitis can be treated on an outpatient basis with excellent success.
How can I get MRSA?
MRSA is commonly obtained from gyms, fitness centers, swimming pools locker rooms, hot tubs and individuals involved in sports. The sharing of towels, and even if the equipment is not sterilized appropriately MRSA can be a problem. This author’s last seven cases of MRSA all involved children or young adults who had spent time at fitness centers, or were athletes such as being involved in football, wrestling or some contact sport. A few years ago the St. Louis Rams football team had a rather large outbreak and their locker room had to be methodically sterilized. Of course the media grabbed onto this story and fear spread due to a general lack of knowledge of this bacteria.
What are the Symptoms of MRSA?
Skin MRSA presents as a raised, red, hot, and painful raised area of the skin. The area is painful to touch, fluctuant, and has a redness that surrounds the raised area. It may or may not reach a time where it will drain, and should not be pushed on or attempted to be squeezed like a pimple. They can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly are on the arms, legs and trunk. For individuals who have recurrent MRSA an antibiotic cream is often given given to apply intra-nasally twice a day since the bacteria frequently can harbor in the nose or around the anus.
What is the Treatment for MRSA?
Since MRSA is resistant to Penicillins, which is what caused the fear in the community for the most part, other antibiotic classes are used, and used effectively. Penicillins, and Cephalosporins like Keflex are not the drug of choice for these infections. Antibiotics like Bactrim and Cleomycin are commonly used and very effective. This author over the last few years has seen resistance to Cipro also. The antibiotics should be given for ten to fourteen days. The abscess should be incised and drained as well as packed. the packing will be removed a little at a time, about every two days. This prevents the abscess from filling back up with pus. Within seven to ten days the patient can usually be released from care. Cultres should always be taken at time of the incision to assess what the bacteria is and what antibiotics it is sensitive to. You want to make sure your clinician will culture the abscess and pack it. MRSA when presented in the media can be scary, however when we put it in perspective it can easily be treated at an urgent care facility with an excellent outcome. For individuals with recurrent MRSA, Bactroban cream should be prescribed, with application twice a day intra-nasally for five days. Your clinician may also want you to shower using Hibiclens scrubs once a day for seven days, as well as cleaning chairs and cars with upholstery.
What is the prevention for MRSA?
Do not share towels at athletic events or at gyms. Bring hand sanitizer and use it frequently when at these events. Make sure coaches, athletic directors and personnel in charge of gymnasiums and fitness centers are aware and clean their equipment daily. Check this out before joining. When you suspect a skin lesion as described, see your health care provider as soon as possible. When MRSA is at it’s beginning stages it can be treated without incising which saves the patient some pain.