What is Staph and How Do You Treat it?

Staphylococcus (staph) is a bacteria that lives on skin of most people and usually does not cause any problems. Most commonly, it is found in people's noses (gross!). It only becomes a problem when there is broken skin (generally from scratching) and then the bacteria gets into the skin and can cause an infection.

The normal staph bacteria causes a sore with a honey colored crust on top. This is commonly called impetigo. It can be spread from one area on a person’s body to another through scratching or from the person to another person if they have broken skin and come into contact with the sore or a surface on which drainage from a sore has been left (gym mats).

• Treatment - It can usually be treated with a topical anti-staph antibiotic ointment or cream. If there are multiple sores, treatment with antibiotics by mouth may be necessary. 
• Ways to avoid staph - Keep your child's nails trimmed short and clean. Broken skin = spread of the infection.
• Is it staph? If you have sores that are not healing or that are spreading (especially if they have a light colored scab/crust on them) you should see a doctor.