Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph bacteria that has developed resistance to certain common antibiotics, including methicillin and other related drugs. This resistance makes MRSA infections more challenging to treat compared to typical staph infections. While many people can carry MRSA on their skin or in their nose without developing an infection, it can cause problems if it enters the body through a cut or scrape.
Understanding MRSA Recurrence
MRSA infections can recur after treatment. Up to 70% of MRSA skin infections may return after initial treatment. Recurrence can stem from two main scenarios: re-infection or relapse.
Re-infection occurs when a new MRSA infection is acquired from an external source or from the individual’s own persistent colonization with the bacteria. Relapse, though less common, signifies that the original infection was not fully eradicated, and the remaining bacteria multiply to cause a new symptomatic infection. MRSA can persist on surfaces for weeks, contributing to the risk of re-infection.
Factors That Increase Recurrence Risk
Several factors increase the risk of MRSA infections returning. Long-term colonization with MRSA, where the bacteria reside on the skin or in the nose without causing active infection, increases the likelihood of developing infections. Incomplete treatment of a prior infection also poses a risk, as remaining bacteria can lead to recurrence.
Close contact with others who are infected or colonized with MRSA can increase the risk of re-infection, as the bacteria can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact. Crowded living conditions, such as military barracks or correctional facilities, also elevate this risk. Sharing personal items like towels, razors, or athletic equipment can facilitate the spread of MRSA from contaminated surfaces or individuals.
Breaks in skin integrity, such as cuts, scrapes, or surgical wounds, provide entry points for the bacteria, increasing susceptibility to infection and recurrence. Certain medical conditions that weaken the immune system, like diabetes or HIV, or the presence of indwelling medical devices can also heighten the risk. Nasal MRSA carriage and methicillin resistance are risk factors for recurrent infections.
Strategies for Prevention
Preventing MRSA recurrence involves hygiene practices. Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, helps remove bacteria and prevents their spread.
Proper wound care is also important; cuts and scrapes should be kept clean and covered with bandages until fully healed. Avoiding the sharing of personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, and athletic equipment helps prevent the transmission of bacteria. Regular bathing and maintaining good personal hygiene can reduce the bacterial load on the skin.
Cleaning frequently touched surfaces in the home, such as light switches, remote controls, and doorknobs, with disinfectants effective against staph bacteria can also help minimize environmental contamination. For those with recurrent infections, a doctor might recommend “decolonization” treatments, which can involve antiseptic body washes and nasal ointments to reduce MRSA on the skin and in the nose.
What to Do if MRSA Returns
Recognizing the signs of MRSA recurrence and seeking prompt medical attention is important. Symptoms of a skin infection include a red, swollen, painful area that may resemble a pimple or spider bite and might contain pus or fluid. If the infection spreads deeper, symptoms can include fever, chills, and muscle or joint pain.
Contact a healthcare provider immediately if these symptoms appear, especially if they worsen, do not improve, or are accompanied by fever. MRSA infections require specific antibiotic treatment, so self-treating or delaying professional medical advice is not recommended. Only a healthcare professional can properly diagnose and determine the appropriate course of treatment for a returning MRSA infection.