Editorial Focus
Prevention is Key to Stopping Spread of MRSA and other Staph Infections
An infection commonly mistaken as a spider bite, ingrown hair or pimple, and previously found almost exclusively in hospitals, is now becoming a problem in communities nationwide, spreading among teammates, students, family and friends. A type of staph infection, it’s com- monly known as MRSA (methicillin-re- sistant Staphylococcus aureus) and it’s growing at an alarming rate.
“MRSA germs are commonly carried on the skin of healthy people and spread either through direct physical contact or by contaminating other objects such as towels, clothes, sports equipment, whirlpools and saunas,” says Carolyn Twomey, RN, Vice President of Clinical
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and Technical affairs, Molnlycke Health Care US, LLC, “and can live on objects for days.”
Skin areas infected with MRSA usually take on the appearance of spider bites, in- grown hairs or pimples, but can quickly develop into inflamed and painful boils or abscesses. In extreme cases, MRSA can cause bone infections or bacterial blood poisoning which may result in amputa- tions or even death.
An important key to the prevention of MRSA is keeping hands clean to avoid cross-contamination. That means washing hands at least three times per day or when- ever they are visibly soiled – always using an antimicrobial, antiseptic skin cleanser,
such as Hibiclens® available from Molnlycke Health Care. Washing should not only include the hands, but should also involve the forearms above the elbow, be- fore and after physical activity where con- tamination is likely. And, if water is not readily accessible, alcohol rubs and anti- septic wipes like Hibistat® are a great way to supplement personal hygiene throughout the day.
Here are some of the more important tips to help prevent the spread of MRSA among the general population. • Shower immediately after potentially contaminating activity, contact sports or using common gear or equipment. Wash in water as hot as you can
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