Types of Wound Infection
Sepsis: Infection in chronic wounds can lead to sepsis if left untreated. Sepsis is defined as an inflammatory body response to infection, with severe sepsis and septic shock being the more severe forms. Sepsis can and does affect people of all ages. However, a 2012 Medical Study shows that the incidence and prevalence of sepsis increases with age. While people aged 65 years and older make up about one fifth of the American population, they make up two thirds of sepsis cases in hospitals and are approximately 20% more likely to develop sepsis than their younger counterparts. For more information about Sepsis and aging click here.
Staphylococcal Infections: Staphylococcus (referred to as staph) is a group of bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Although there are 40 types, the most common one is staphylococcus aureus.
Staph generally causes no problems or illness. However, if the bacteria enters the body through a wound, cut or graze, or open skin (e.g. broken skin caused by eczema or bug bite), it may cause an infection. Staph is one of the most common causes of skin infections and can cause serious wound infections which can lead to sepsis if left untreated.
MRSA: Since the 1950s, some strains of staph have built up resistance to antibiotics. Staph aureus that is resistant to the antibiotic methicillin is called methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). People often refer to MRSA as ‘golden staph’ because the infected pus is yellow/gold in color.
Most staph infections are treated with antibiotics, and there are still some antibiotics that can successfully treat MRSA infections.
What are the Risk Factors for Staph Infection?
Signs and symptoms of staph infection: If you or your child has a staph infection of an existing or new wound, they may have:
Prevention: Follow these steps to avoid a staph infection and prevent it from spreading.
Tips for Athletes:
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