Broken skin is prone to infection. Washing your hands frequently and keeping wounds clean are the best ways to prevent a skin staph infection.
If you’d like, you can add salt to your warm water soaks. Try soaking the infected area in a solution of 1 tablespoon (14. 8 ml) of salt and 1 US quart (0. 95 L) of warm water. Adding salt to your warm water soaks can help soothe your skin. While salt doesn’t kill staph bacteria, it could help deter other contaminants.
Scratching an infection or popping an abscess could further contaminate the area and spread germs.
Only a doctor can accurately diagnose a staph infection and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Keep the area covered with a sterile bandage until you can see a doctor.
In the meantime, avoid overexerting yourself and drink plenty of water, sports drinks, or Pedialyte to stay hydrated. Try to keep down plain rice, soup or broth, and other bland foods. Wash your hands frequently to help prevent spreading germs, especially if you’re vomiting or have diarrhea. [9] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Symptoms of septic arthritis develop suddenly. In other forms of arthritis, joint pain and swelling develop gradually, often occur at distinct times during the day, and typically affect more than one joint. Your doctor will perform an examination and take a bacterial culture. They’ll aspirate the joint, or remove excess fluid to decrease swelling. If they determine you have an infection, they’ll inject medication into the joint or prescribe oral antibiotics. [11] X Research source
TSS is a medical emergency and requires immediate care. It can result from using a tampon for longer than the recommended amount time or from an infected burn, wound, or surgical site.
Sepsis is a medical emergency, so you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible if you have an infection that isn’t healing and have symptoms of sepsis. [14] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source While anyone can develop sepsis, it’s more likely to occur in people with compromised immune systems, infants, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses (such as kidney or liver disease), and after a serious burn or injury.
It’s especially important to see a doctor if you have a weakened immune system, a chronic illness, are elderly, or have a severe burn or wound. If your infant or young child has an infection that won’t heal or develops a high fever, they need to see a doctor.
If you have a skin infection, they’ll swab the area or take a sample of tissue or pus. For TSS or sepsis, doctors test blood samples for bacteria and take a white blood cell count, but treatment often begins before the results become available. Because these conditions are so serious, antibiotics and IV (intravenous) fluids need to be administered as soon as possible. [17] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source
Follow your doctor’s care instructions after having an abscess drained. Clean the area 2 to 3 times daily, apply medicated ointment if your doctor advises, and dress the area with a clean bandage. Change the bandage 2 to 3 times per day or whenever it gets wet.
Additionally, your doctor might recommend taking a pain reliever to combat swelling, fever, and other related symptoms.
They might recommend stronger IV (intravenous) antibiotics.
