Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria resistant to several antibiotics, including methicillin. While Staphylococcus aureus frequently resides harmlessly on human skin and in the nose, MRSA is a specific strain that poses treatment challenges due to its antibiotic resistance. The nostrils or nasal passages, known as “nares,” are common sites for these bacteria to live without causing illness.
Understanding MRSA Nares
Having MRSA in the nares means an individual is colonized with the bacteria. This is a state where the bacteria are present on or in the body without causing active infection or symptoms. Many people carry MRSA in their nose or on their skin without becoming sick. This differs from an active MRSA infection, where the bacteria invade body tissues and cause symptoms like painful, swollen, or pus-filled sores.
While colonization does not directly cause illness, it allows for the potential spread of MRSA. The bacteria typically spread from the nares through direct contact with an infected or colonized person, or indirectly by touching contaminated objects and surfaces. MRSA can survive on surfaces for hours, days, or even weeks, including items like towels, bedding, and athletic equipment. This highlights why precautions are relevant, as the colonized site can act as a reservoir, potentially leading to infection if it enters the body through a break in the skin.
Essential Precautions for Home and Community
Hand hygiene is a key defense against MRSA spread in home and community settings. Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is highly effective. If soap and water are unavailable, alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol can be used.
Proper wound care is important, as MRSA can enter the body through cuts, scrapes, or other skin breaks. Keep any wounds clean and covered with dry bandages until healed. Pus or fluid from infected sores can contain MRSA, so covering wounds helps prevent spread to others or other body parts.
Avoiding the sharing of personal items limits MRSA transmission. Do not share items that contact skin, such as towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, and athletic equipment. This reduces the risk of transferring bacteria. Using a barrier, like clothing or a towel, between your skin and shared equipment can also be beneficial.
Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially in shared living spaces. Surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, phones, and countertops should be cleaned with appropriate detergent-based cleaners or EPA-registered disinfectants. Always follow product labels for proper usage and contact time to ensure effectiveness.
Laundry practices also contribute to prevention, especially if someone in the household is colonized or infected. Wash clothes and linens in hot water with laundry detergent and dry them completely in a hot dryer. These precautions prevent MRSA spread to others or its entry into the body, reducing infection risk.
Decolonization and Medical Guidance
Healthcare providers may recommend “decolonization” to reduce MRSA bacteria in the nares or on the skin. This approach is considered for patients before certain medical procedures, such as surgery, or in cases of recurrent MRSA infections. Decolonization aims to temporarily clear the bacteria from the body, lowering infection risk.
Common decolonization methods involve specific topical treatments. These include intranasal ointments, such as mupirocin, applied inside the nostrils for a few days, and antiseptic body washes, often containing chlorhexidine, used for daily bathing. Mupirocin eliminates Staphylococcus aureus from the nose and is often prescribed for a duration of five days. Antiseptic body washes are used on the skin, applied to all body areas and left on for a set time before rinsing.
These decolonization treatments are medical interventions prescribed by a doctor and should not be self-administered. A healthcare provider determines if decolonization is appropriate based on an individual’s specific health needs and risk factors. Seek medical advice if you suspect an MRSA infection, have persistent concerns about MRSA colonization, or are scheduled for surgery and identified as a carrier. Professional medical guidance is important for managing MRSA colonization and infection effectively.