A staph infection is the most common type of skin infection found in diabetes. There are several reasons why a staph infection and diabetes are connected. Staph infections are commonly found in people with serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and lung disease. Also, people who are hospitalized with open wounds are likely to have staph infections. In fact, they are the leading causes of primary infection originating in hospitals in the United States, according to Answers.com.
Furthermore, diabetics have more bacterial infections than other people do because they have a less active immune system than most. This is even more troublesome because these types of infections take longer to heal in diabetics for the same reason. Anytime an infection occurs in diabetes, it is advisable that the diabetic visit their doctor as soon as possible. Staph infection and diabetes used to be a much more dangerous combination; however, with prompt treatment the risks are far lower now than in the past.
Staph Infection and Diabetes Treatment
Normally staph infections are treated by an antibiotic ointment, such as triple antibiotic Neosporin. In some cases, such as in diabetes staph infection, oral antibiotics may be given. If abscesses are present, the staph infection diabetes treatment involves surgically draining the abscess. It is not recommended for a diabetic to try and perform this on his own, as it could lead to further infection.
There is a strain of staph that is resistant to antibiotics. This is known as MRSA. MRSA may still be treated with antibiotics and proper skin care, but it can progress into life-threatening bone or blood infections because there are fewer types of antibiotics available for its treatment. A drug known as mupirocin has been known to be helpful in cases of MRSA and diabetes.
In staph infections and diabetes, proper skin care can be vital. Therefore, prevention is the most important method of treatment. Careful attention to food handling and food preparation can reduce the risk of staph infections. Also, caring for wounds well and keeping proper hygiene will help prevent these types of infections. Washing your hands frequently and avoiding skin to skin contact with those likely to be infected by staph are some of the most helpful preventative methods.
If staph infection and diabetes both affect you, it is highly recommended that you seek and follow through with treatment the way your doctor recommends. If you have sores caused by a staph infection (or by any other type of infection) youshould keep the area bandaged and clean. Also, applying antibiotic ointment to the area will help you to avoid further skin infections.
