Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as “staph,” is a type of bacteria frequently responsible for various skin infections, including boils, abscesses, and cellulitis. A common question is whether staph infections can return after treatment. While many resolve completely, recurrence is possible for some individuals.
Understanding Staph Infection Recurrence
One primary reason for recurrence is persistent colonization, where Staphylococcus aureus bacteria continue to live harmlessly on an individual’s skin or in their nasal passages even after an active infection has been cleared. This colonization acts as a reservoir, allowing the bacteria to cause new infections if conditions become favorable.
Reinfection is another pathway for recurrence, occurring when an individual is re-exposed to staph bacteria from their environment or from other people. This can happen through contact with contaminated surfaces or close contact with carriers of the bacteria. In some instances, a previous infection might not have been fully eradicated, leading to a relapse where the same infection reappears. Studies suggest that recurrent infections are often caused by the same strain of bacteria that caused the initial infection.
Factors Increasing Recurrence Risk
Several conditions and behaviors can increase an individual’s susceptibility to recurrent staph infections. Inadequate personal hygiene, such as infrequent handwashing or sharing personal items like towels and razors, can facilitate the spread and re-establishment of the bacteria. Breaks in skin integrity, including cuts, scrapes, eczema, or surgical wounds, provide easy entry points for staph bacteria to invade and cause new infections.
Underlying health conditions that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes or HIV, can also elevate the risk of recurrence. Chronic skin conditions, like eczema, can compromise the skin’s protective barrier, making it more vulnerable. Environments with close contact, such as crowded living spaces, participation in contact sports, or frequent exposure to healthcare settings, can increase the likelihood of acquiring or spreading staph. Individuals who have experienced a staph infection previously are at a higher risk of future infections, with recurrence rates reported to be as high as 50% in some populations.
Preventing Staph Infection Recurrence
Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the chances of a staph infection returning. Maintaining strict hygiene practices is foundational, including frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water, and regular showering, especially after activities involving close physical contact or exposure to shared environments. Proper wound care is important; any cuts, scrapes, or skin lesions should be promptly cleaned and covered to prevent bacterial entry.
Avoiding the sharing of personal items like razors, towels, and athletic equipment helps prevent the direct transfer of bacteria. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and shared equipment helps reduce bacterial presence. Managing any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or chronic skin issues, is important as these can compromise the body’s defenses and skin integrity, making recurrence more likely. In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend decolonization strategies, which can involve using specific antiseptic body washes or nasal ointments to reduce the amount of staph bacteria carried on the body.
Managing Recurrent Staph Infections
Recognizing early symptoms is important if a staph infection is suspected to have returned. Common signs include increasing redness, swelling, pain, warmth, the presence of pus, or fever. Promptly consulting a healthcare provider is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment, especially if the infection appears to be worsening, spreading, or is accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever.
Treatment for recurrent staph infections typically involves antibiotics, and sometimes drainage of abscesses may be necessary. The choice of antibiotic depends on the specific type of staph, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), and infection severity. It is important to complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics, even if symptoms improve quickly. Stopping treatment early can lead to incomplete eradication of the bacteria, potentially contributing to further recurrence and increasing the risk of antibiotic resistance.