Staph Infections In Children: Symptoms and Treatment

What Are Staph Infections in Children?

A type of bacteria called Staphylococcus is referred to as Staph. In many parts of the body, especially around the nose, mouth, genitals, and anus, bacteria such as these can live harmlessly. Staph bacteria, however, can enter the wound if the skin is punctured or broken. Staph skin infections and toxic shock syndrome are caused by staphylococcus aureus, which also releases toxins (poisons).

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Staph Skin Infections in children?

There are many ways that staph skin infections can manifest. Among the conditions caused by S. aureus are:

Folliculitis: In this condition, hair follicles become infected, and little pockets under the skin where hair shafts (strands) gather. Folliculitis is characterized by tiny whiteheads that appear at the base of hair strands, sometimes with a small area of redness surrounding each whitehead. When people shave or rub against clothing, it irritates them.
A furuncle, commonly known as a boil: An infected hair follicle is usually responsible for these red, swollen lumps on the skin. It drains and ruptures, then fills with pus, increasing in size and pain. Folliculitis often begins as furuncles that worsen over time. The most common places to find them are on the face, neck, buttocks, armpits, and inner thighs, where small hairs may get inflamed. Carbuncles, which are clusters of furuncles, are called Karbuncles (KARBUNDUL). If a carbuncle is present, the person will start feeling ill and may develop a fever.
Impetigo: The most common site of this superficial skin infection is the face, hands, or feet of young children. This condition starts as a small pimple or blister. Once it develops a honey-colored crust, it becomes more severe.
Cellulitis: In men, it may be the result of a hormone imbalance, as the body is out of balance. In the course of spreading this area, a child can become ill and feel feverish.
A stye: Symptomatic children have a red, warm, uncomfortable bump near their eyelids.
MRSA: Antibiotics are not able to treat staph infections caused by this type of bacteria. Most MRSA infections are treatable with proper care, but a few may be difficult to treat. Skin infections are the most common form of MRSA.
Scalded skin syndrome: Children younger than 5 years old are most likely to suffer from this condition. Staph skin infections begin as small lesions, but a bacterial toxin infects skin everywhere. Fever, rash, and blisters sometimes accompany the illness in children. When blisters burst and the rash passes, the uppermost layer of skin sheds, leaving the skin’s surface raw and red. The body is affected in the same way as severely burned. It must be treated in a hospital. Almost all kids recover fully from treatment.
Wound infections: Cellulitis-like symptoms (redness, swelling, and warmth) are caused by these fungi. Often, a person feels unwell and has a fever. There is a possibility of pus draining from the wound and a yellow crust developing.

What are the ways in which Staph Infections spread in children?

Staph bacteria can spread:

Contact with a contaminated surface
When people live in groups (like in college dorms), their styles can vary widely. The transmission of skin infections occurs when people share personal items like bed linens, towels, clothing, etc.
By touching their bodies with dirty hands or fingernails, the bacteria move from one area to another

Sweating can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing an infection in warm, humid environments since staph infections thrive in humid climates. Staph skin infections are more likely to occur in people with skin problems like burns or eczema.

What Is The Treatment For Staph Infections In Children?

The majority of small staph infections can be treated at home:

Put a warm washcloth on the affected area or soak it in warm water. If you soak or clean an area of infected skin, you should only use a cloth or towel once. Afterward, wash them in soap and hot water and place them in a clothes dryer to dry completely.
You should rub the skin with a heating pad or hot water bottle three to four times every day for about 20 minutes.
Apply antibiotic ointment if your doctor recommends it.
If the infection persists, you can use pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. To determine how much and when to administer, follow the package instructions.
Apply a clean bandage or dressing to the skin.

Apply warm compresses to the stye as often as you need (while the eye is closed). Clean washcloths should be used every time. The treatment of styes with topical antibiotics may occasionally be necessary.

Staph infections on areas of the body where teens usually shave should be stopped until the infection is cured. It is recommended that they use a clean disposable razor or that they clean the electric razor after every use if they need to shave the area.

If you have a staph skin infection, you may be prescribed an oral antibiotic. Follow the schedule as instructed for the desired number of days. More serious staph infections might require hospital treatment, and an abscess (or collection of pus) that does not respond to home care might need draining.

The following steps can help reduce the spread of staph infections:

Direct contact with an infected area should be avoided.
As much as possible, cover the area.
Clean and dry the area only once with a towel. Towels should be washed under hot water after use. Disposable towels are also an option.

Is a Staph Infection Contagious?

It depends on what type of staph skin infection you have and whether you treat it. Depending on the type of boil, recovery can take 10 to 20 days without treatment, but it can be sped up with treatment. It usually takes a few days for styes to disappear.

Read Also: Is Dramamine safe for my child?

Is it Possible to Prevent Staph Skin Infections?

The best way to prevent staph infections is to wash your hands thoroughly and often.
Make sure your kids take a shower or bath every day to keep their skin clean. Ask your doctor for advice if eczema or other skin conditions make bathing difficult.
If you have any injurious areas of skin – such as cuts or scrapes – keep them covered and clean, and follow the directions your doctor gives you.
Do not share towels, sheets, or clothing until someone in your family has fully recovered from a staph infection.

What is the best time to see a doctor?

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor:

Family members often have skin infections when more than one person has them, or if multiple family members have them simultaneously.
If your child has a serious wound that might be infected, you’re concerned.
An infected stye takes several days to disappear.
Your child becomes ill or feverish, or the area gets red and hot. This is an indication that a minor infection is getting worse.