Bacteria known as staphylococcus causes staph infections. It can even be found in the body of most healthy individuals and can cause mild to severe types of diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain healthy hygiene practices to thwart their growth. Apart from the inadequate sanitation, underlying health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, respiratory illnesses, skin disorders, HIV/AIDS, severe kidney disorders, weakened immune system, surgical wounds, etc. increase the risk of staph infections.

Types of health issues that can be caused by staph infections

Skin infections Staph infections are commonly known to attack the skin. Wondering what does a staph infection looks like on the skin?

• Boils These can develop in hair follicles or sebaceous glands and produce sacs of pus. The affected area usually reddens and gets inflamed.
• Impetigo This is an infectious rash which causes painful blisters that forms crusty layers and may consist of fluids.
• Cellulitis This infection strikes the internal layers of the skin causing tenderness and ulcers on the surface.
• Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome Staph infections can produce toxins which can lead to the onset of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. This type of skin condition, typically affects babies and kids. It is characterized by symptoms like fever, rash, and at times blisters.

Toxic shock syndrome A severe health condition, toxic shock syndrome can occur because of using tampons for a prolonged periods, wounds and surgical incisions. Some of its signs are fever, disorientation, muscle pain, rashes on palms and soles, abdominal discomfort, nausea and digestive problems.

Food poisoning Staphylococcus bacteria is one of the common triggers for food poisoning. It is usually identified with symptoms like dehydration, vomiting, queasiness, diarrhea and low blood pressure.

Blood poisoning Also known as bacteremia, blood poisoning is when the strains of Staphylococcus contaminate the bloodstream. Primarily low blood pressure and fever are signs of bacteremia. These can target organs like heart, brain, bones, lungs, muscles, surgically fixed devices, etc.

Septic arthritis In this condition, the staph infection affects body parts like shoulders, fingers, knees, hips and toes. They lead to joint inflammation, sharp pain, and fever.

If you sense the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, then immediately seek medical assistance. If the condition is identified in its initial stages then can be easily treated with antibiotics and draining techniques. For instance, if conditions like blood poisoning is left untreated then it can lead to life-threatening conditions like sepsis.