Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is a bacteria that many people carry on the nose and skin, and usually causes no problems. However, when skin is cut or punctured, Staphylococcus enters the body, causing cellulitis, folliculitis, boils, pustules and skin scald syndrome. Limited Staphylococcal skin infections are contained in one area, but are not transmitted to other parts of the body. They can be treated by using antimicrobial soap, warm water soaking, antibiotic ointment to keep the skin clean and covering the infected area with a clean dressing. Your healthcare provider will help you decide whether you need to use OTC triple antibiotic ointment or whether OTC antibiotic ointment is a better choice. When cleaning and/or soaking the infection, only use a towel once and then clean again to prevent the spread of the infection. If your skin has ever had areas of redness, inflammation or pain, white areas filled with pus, or if you have a fever, call your health care provider immediately.
Doctors are washing their hands with soap and water. Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is a bacterium that many people carry on their noses and skin. It usually does not cause problems. However, when skin is cut or punctured, Staphylococcus enters the body, causing cellulitis, folliculitis, boils, pustules and skin scald syndrome. Limited Staphylococcal skin infections are contained in one area, but are not transmitted to other parts of the body. They can be treated by using antimicrobial soap, warm water soaking, antibiotic ointment to keep the skin clean and covering the infected area with a clean dressing. Your healthcare provider will help you decide whether you need to use OTC triple antibiotic ointment or whether OTC antibiotic ointment is a better choice. When cleaning and/or soaking the infection, only use a towel once and then clean again to prevent the spread of the infection. If your skin has ever had areas of redness, inflammation or pain, white areas filled with pus, or if you have a fever, call your health care provider immediately.
