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Staph Infection and Bacteria that is a major problem!
Staph Infection on the skin as well as the soft tissues are a common problem in the elderly population. This bacteria that causes staph infection is Staphylococcus aureus, also known as staph. This type of bacteria normally resides in the skin and nose of healthy individuals. Staph infections are a common occurrence in the elderly with a poor immune system. These bacteria live on our skin. But, if it enters the skin through cuts or sores, becomes a potential source of skin infections. The healthy immunity of young adults is in a better position to fight off the infections. However, with age, the immune system also declines, which makes our loved ones more susceptible to staph infections. Dealing with this day out and being careful not to irritate the condition any further can cause strain on you, as the caregiver. Here are some great books to help you now.
To make matters worse for our loved ones
There is a type of staph infection, that is resistant to antibiotics and becomes very difficult to treat. According to the CDC, healthcare facilities are seeing a rise in the number of drug-resistant infections. One of the common drug-resistant infections is the MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). In simple terms, this means that a specific strain of staph infection is causing infections. Also, common antibiotics such as methicillin, amoxicillin, and penicillin cannot treat this strain.
With each passing year, MRSA is becoming a serious problem among the elderly population treated in institutional settings. This is so because the staph infection can spread easily in such settings. Which also increases the chances of mortality associated with infection. While poor immunity is one of the major reasons for MRSA, The frequent use of antibiotics is also to be equal to blamed.
Causes of Staph Infection
If your skin gets a wound and experiences an influx of bacteria from an outside source, an infection can occur. Some causes of the staph infection are:
- Food poison
- Dirty or infected objects
- Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
- Iron deficiency
- Weak immune system
- Chronic alcohol abuse
- Warm, humid environments
- Skin problems like burns or eczema
Symptoms of MRSA
MRSA infections in the elderly are a common occurrence. These staph infections begin with a small boil or a pimple but can take a severe turn if left untreated. The MRSA infection can become a serious problem if related to a urinary tract infection or a surgical wound.
A normal staph infection would produce the following symptoms:
- Skin abscess
- Red
- Swollen
- The area is tender or painful
- Fever
- The area around the abscess is warm
- Development of pus and other fluids
If the staph infection becomes more severe, then the following symptoms may develop:
- Rash
- A chronic wound that refuses to heal with normal antibiotics and other treatment
- A cough
- Fever accompanied by chills
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Pain in the chest
- A headache
- Breathlessness
- Muscle ache
Our loved ones and the health consequences of MRSA
Older adults, aged 75 years and over account for more than 40% cases of MRSA, as stated by the Journal of Infection. The findings suggest that the affected elderly were at an increased risk of mortality with the staph infection. A staph infection is treated in the early stages, can be beneficial for our loved ones. However, our loved ones in nursing homes suffering from a staph infection can have a harder time fighting the condition. And often, can become fatal due to compromised immunity.
Wound care for our loved ones
The human body has its own natural mechanism to heal wounds. And in many cases, with appropriate wound care, good hygiene, and medications, the wounds heal faster. However, this is usually the case with healthy young individuals. As we age, our skin’s renewal process takes a back seat, along with several other important body processes. Furthermore, our loved ones also have a hard time healing their wounds. This can be due to underlying health conditions such as diabetes.
It is important not to neglect even a minor wound. If your loved one is suffering from diabetes and is 60 years and above. As a caregiver, it also becomes necessary to consult the doctor right away. Especially, if you notice that the wound is taking more than normal time to heal.
Tips for caregivers to take care of our loved ones with MRSA
Managing our loved ones with MRSA at home should be pretty easy as compared to institutional settings. The chances of infection reduce if the elderly can stay in a sterile clean environment when necessary. Furthermore, follow these guidelines to prevent the spread of infection and ensure complete recovery.
Caregivers should closely monitor wounds of all kinds.
They need to keep a close watch on the color change and the nature of the wound. If they notice, that the wound is getting darker in color, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
It is very important to wash the towels used for hand wiping every day.
This would also potentially reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
Make sure, you always wear disposable gloves while you clean and dress the wound.
Gloves create a barrier between you and the infection. And using gloves keeps your loved one safe, which is the main goal.
Practice good hygiene.
Handwashing with soap and water is a must after you touch the infected area. You also need to wash your hands thoroughly and sanitize them before and after dressing the wound and clearing up the fluids from the wound.
Change bed linens need every day.
This is important to maintain a sterile environment. Change more frequently soiled from the fluids and blood of the wound.
Home remedies for staph infection
Manuka Honey
Sterilizes the wound, speeds up healing, and gets rid of the infection.
Garlic oil
Helps reduce the intensity of the symptoms. Also, relieves discomfort associated with this type of infection.
Tea tree oil
It has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Also, relieves skin discomforts.
Oregano Oil
Several chemical components in oregano oil help in reducing infection. It is also as effective as traditional antibiotics.
Apple cider Vinegar
Fights the bacteria and promotes quick healing.
Turmeric
This has wound-healing properties that help fight the infection quickly and successfully.
Goldenseal
The compound called berberine helps kill the bacteria responsible for this infection.
Echinacea cream
Immune-stimulant properties that help ease the symptoms as well as promote recovery. But, if your loved one is suffering from an autoimmune disorder, do not use this.
Conclusion
Follow all the above-mentioned tips religiously to prevent the spread of infection. This will ensure a fast recovery from your symptoms. But, seek immediate professional help, if you cannot get it under control within a couple of days. Staph is a serious problem. For the most part, some of these tips and remedies may be effective at relieving the symptoms. But may not be effective enough to resolve a major case of staph. Also, check out this post on how to conquer handwashing that will help you with germs.
It can be difficult to attend to your loved one with thinning skin, but it’s not impossible. With the right knowledge, you can do this. Don’t forget about taking care of yourself and keeping your business going while you are caregiving. I’m here to assist you on this journey, schedule your planning session with me so we can look at how to keep your life and your business running smoothly.
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