Transcript Soft Tissue Infections

Soft Tissue Infections
Lawrence L. Lambert
Off Shore Paramedic
Acadian Integrated Services
Staphylococcus Aureus
• Commonly called staph
• Bacteria commonly found on human skin
• Commonly found
– Inside the nose
– Armpit
– Groin
– Genital Areas
MRSA
Methicillin-resistant S. Aureus
• Symptoms
– Reddness
– Warmth
– Swelling
– Tenderness
– Boils or blisters
– Often mistaken for spider bites
– Fever and chills
How is MRSA Spread?
• Close contact with infected persons
• Staph can come off skin during skin to to skin
•
•
contact
Staph can come off the skin onto shared objects
and surfaces and can get into the skin of
another person who uses that object or surface
Through the drainage and pus which is very
infectious
Who is at risk for MRSA Infections?
• Those with recurrent skin diseases or
open wounds
• Long term illness
• Been a patient at a hospital or other
health care facility within the past year
Who is at risk for MRSA Infections?
• Contact with persons with MRSA infections
• Recent Antibiotic use
• Live in crowded settings
MRSA is diagnosed through a
culture being taken and sent to
the laboratory
How is MRSA treated?
• Proper wound and skin care using
antibiotics
• Incision and drainage (I&D)
• More serious infections may require IV
antibiotic treatments
How can I protect myself from
becoming infected with staph
• Keep your hands clean by washing
thoroughly with soap and water
• Keep cuts and abrasions clean and
covered with a clean bandage until healed
How can I protect myself from
becoming infected with staph
• Avoid contact with other employee
wounds
• Clean objects and surfaces that are shared
with other employees before you use
them
If I have MRSA or staph how can I
keep from spreading it?
• Keep infections covered with clean, dry
bandages
• Wash hands after touching exposed skin
and bandages
• Do not share personal items
• Keep your clothes clean
• Avoid skin to skin contact with others
What should I do if I think I have a
staph infection?
• Consult your medic immediately
• Early treatment can help prevent the
infection from getting worse
• Control the spread!!!