Staph infection what kind of antibiotics

One type of staph germ, called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA , is harder to treat. This is because MRSA is not killed by certain medicines antibiotics used to treat other staph germs. Many healthy people normally have staph on their skin, in their noses, or other body areas. Most of the time, the germ does not cause an infection or symptoms. This is called being colonized with staph. These people are known as carriers. They can spread staph to others. Some people colonized by staph develop an actual staph infection that makes them sick.

Most staph germs are spread by skin-to-skin contact. They can also be spread when you touch something that has the staph germ on it, such as clothing or a towel. Staph germs can then enter a break in the skin, such as cuts, scratches, or pimples. Usually the infection is minor and stays in the skin. But the infection can spread deeper and affect the blood, bones, or joints. Organs such as the lungs, heart, or brain can also be affected.

Serious cases can be life threatening. Symptoms depend on where the infection is located. For example, with a skin infection you may have a boil or a painful rash called impetigo. With a serious infection, such as toxic shock syndrome , you may have a high fever, nausea and vomiting, and a sunburn-like rash. Staphylococcus infections - self-care at home; Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections - self-care at home; MRSA infections - self-care at home.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Vital signs: Staph infections can kill. 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.

They can enter through an open wound or when a person ingests food that has become contaminated with the bacteria. People can take steps to protect themselves against infection from staph bacteria. These include:. Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat staph infections. Depending on the type of infection, a doctor may prescribe:. If a skin staph infection involves pus, a doctor may choose to drain it.

Bone staph infections may require surgery. A person with staph food poisoning should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Doctors do not prescribe antibiotics to treat staph food poisoning. Severe illness is rare, but some people may require intravenous fluids for dehydration from persistent vomiting or diarrhea.

MRSA infections are resistant to many types of antibiotics, but there are still other antibiotics that can treat them. It is important to see a doctor if symptoms of a staph infection last longer than a week or worsen quickly. Anyone with a weakened immune system should also visit a doctor as soon as they suspect infection. 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.

Food poisoning staph will usually pass within 24—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.

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. Staph infections can take many forms. The most common are skin infections, which can either be minor and heal in a few days or be quite severe and take some time to heal.

People who live, work, or play sports in proximity with others and those with certain health conditions have a higher risk of staph infections. But vancomycin and some other antibiotics have to be given intravenously. If you're given an oral antibiotic, be sure to take it as directed, and to finish all of the medication prescribed by your doctor.

Ask your doctor what signs and symptoms you should watch for that might indicate your infection is worsening.

Staph bacteria are very adaptable, and many varieties have become resistant to one or more antibiotics. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of staph bacteria — often described as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA strains — has led to the use of IV antibiotics, such as vancomycin or daptomycin, with the potential for more side effects.

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. While you may initially consult your family doctor, he or she may refer you to a specialist, depending on which of your organ systems is affected by the infection. For example, you may be referred to a doctor trained in treating skin conditions dermatologist , heart disorders cardiologist or infectious diseases. If you suspect you have a staph infection on your skin, keep the area clean and covered until you see your doctor so that you don't spread the bacteria.

And, until you know whether or not you have staph, don't prepare food. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.