Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as MRSA, is a type of staph bacteria resistant to several common antibiotics. This bacterium often resides harmlessly on the skin or in the nose of many individuals. While its presence may not always cause issues, managing MRSA on the skin is important to prevent infections. This article guides at-home strategies and when professional medical care is necessary for skin-related MRSA concerns.
Understanding MRSA on Your Skin
MRSA can be present on the skin as colonization or infection. Colonization means the bacteria live on the skin without causing symptoms or illness. Many healthy people can carry MRSA without knowing it, and this carriage often occurs in moist areas like the nose, armpits, groin, and skin folds.
An MRSA infection means the bacteria are actively causing symptoms, such as redness, pain, swelling, or pus. MRSA spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected or colonized person, or by touching contaminated surfaces or shared items. Colonization can progress to an active infection, particularly with skin breaks like cuts or scrapes, or if an individual’s immune system is weakened.
At-Home Strategies for Skin MRSA Management
Maintaining rigorous hygiene practices can significantly reduce MRSA on the skin and help prevent infections. Regular bathing or showering is a primary step in this process. Specific antiseptic cleansers can further aid decolonization, which removes bacteria from the body.
One effective option is chlorhexidine gluconate, often found in antiseptic washes. When using a 4% chlorhexidine wash, apply it daily from the neck down, focusing on skin folds. Allow it to remain on the skin for one to three minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Avoid getting this cleanser in the eyes, ears, or mouth, and do not use it on open wounds or broken skin, as it can be irritating or cause chemical burns.
Dilute bleach baths also serve as an effective at-home strategy to lower the bacterial load on the skin. To prepare, add 1/4 cup of regular strength household bleach (5-6% sodium hypochlorite) to a bathtub filled one-quarter full with lukewarm water (approximately 12 gallons). For a full 30-40 gallon tub, use 1/2 cup of bleach.
Soak for 5 to 15 minutes, two to three times per week, then rinse with clean water and pat skin dry. Apply moisturizer to prevent dryness. Do not use bleach baths on skin with many open breaks or deep fissures, as they can cause stinging or irritation.
Beyond bathing, consistent hand hygiene is crucial; wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching wounds. Keep any cuts or scrapes on the skin clean and covered with a dry bandage to prevent MRSA from entering the body or spreading. Additionally, avoid sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, or clothing, as these can harbor and transmit bacteria.
When to Seek Professional Medical Care
While at-home strategies are helpful for managing MRSA colonization, it is important to recognize signs of a worsening infection requiring medical attention. Symptoms of a potential MRSA skin infection include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, and pain around a bump or sore. The affected area may also be filled with pus or other drainage, or appear as a painful boil or abscess.
If a skin lesion does not improve after three to four days of home care, or if symptoms worsen, it is time to consult a healthcare provider. More severe signs, such as a spreading rash, fever, chills, or if the infection appears to be spreading deeper into the body (e.g., difficulty breathing or confusion), warrant immediate medical evaluation. Informing healthcare providers about any history of MRSA can also help them provide appropriate care.
Preventing Future MRSA Issues
Preventing future MRSA issues involves a broader approach that extends beyond personal hygiene to include environmental measures. Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces in the home can help reduce MRSA presence, as bacteria can survive for days or weeks. Focus on frequently touched items like doorknobs, light switches, toilet handles, and sink faucets, using a disinfectant effective against Staphylococcus aureus.
Proper laundry hygiene also plays a role in prevention. Wash sheets, towels, and clothing that contacted MRSA in hot water, adding bleach when appropriate. Drying items in a hot dryer, rather than air-drying, further aids in eliminating bacteria. In community settings, like gyms or shared facilities, it is advisable to wipe down equipment before and after use and avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with individuals who have visible infections. Maintaining good overall skin health by preventing dryness and breaks in the skin barrier reduces opportunities for MRSA to cause infection.