Staphylococcal infections
Preventing staph infections
You can reduce your chances of developing staph infections by:
- washing your hands with soap and warm water regularly particularly if you come into contact with someone who has a staph skin infection
- keeping your skin clean by having a bath or shower every day
- keeping any cuts clean and covered
- not sharingtowels, washcloths, bed linen, toothbrushes and razors
- ensuring that food is both properly cooked and properly chilled read more about preventing food poisoning
If you experience repeated staph infections and you're found to carry the bacteria on your skin, your doctor may recommend using antibacterial shampoo andnasal cream to kill the bacteria and reduce the risk of further infections.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about some of the main types of Staphylococcal infections, including how they're spread and how they're treated.
Types ofstaph infections
Staph infections can be broadly classified into two groups: skin and soft tissue infections, andinvasive infections. Examples are given below. Skin and soft tissue infections Most infections caused
How you get a staph infection
Staph bacteria are common. About one person in every three carries the bacteria harmlessly on their skin, usually inside their nose and on the surface of their armpits and buttocks. However, the bact
Who is affected
Staph skin infections are common, particularly among children, teenagers and young adults.Invasive infections are much rarer. Both types of infection can affect healthy people, but more serious infec
Treating staph infections
Some minor staph infections, including minor Carbuncles and food poisoning, don't need specific treatment and will get better on their own within a few days or weeks. In some cases, antibiotic tablet
Preventing staph infections
You can reduce your chances of developing staph infections by: washing your hands with soap and warm water regularly particularly if you come into contact with someone who has a staph skin infection
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