MRSA Treatments
MRSA is a type of bacterial infectivity that is most often found to be non-responding to certain antibiotics.
Staphylococcus aureus or S. aureus bacteria is responsible for causing MRSA. S. aureus bacteria are often found living on the skin of the patients in question.
Doctors generally prescribe antibiotics as a leading MRSA treatment to take care of Staph infections. Based on MRSA statistics, it can be said that S. aureus strains that cannot be treated with antibiotics results in full blown MRSA infection.
The bacteria responsible for causing MRSA enter the body through open wound or through post surgical instruments that are generally used at hospitals. Here we talk about the different types of treatment options that are currently available to treat MRSA bacteria and Staph infections.
Treatment Options For MRSA
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are drugs that stop the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics are often prescribed for MRSA virus treatment. These drugs can be taken orally, topically or intravenously (IV) depending upon the type of antibiotic. If the antibiotics are correctly prescribed, the infection can be cured very quickly. However, if you look at MRSA statistics, you will find that MRSA and staph infections are often misdiagnosed. Vancocin (Vancomycin), Xyvox (linezolid) and Bactrim are commonly prescribed antibiotics for treating MRSA infections. Most often antibiotics have significant side effects that may include diarrhea, yeast infection, hives, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, rashes etc. Pregnant women need to be extra cautious while selecting MRSA treatment as some antibiotics are found to have negative effects on the developing fetus. Also it is very important to finish the entire doses of antibiotics even if you feel better in 2-3 days' time. MRSA statistics suggest that unfinished antibiotic treatment can lead to drug resistance in the bacteria and increase the chances of re-infection.
- Cutting and Draining of the Boils: To reduce the pain, the doctor cuts or makes an incision on the boils and then drains the pus out of them. This decreases the presence of bacteria in the contaminated area. In this MRSA treatment procedure, first the infected skin must be treated with an antiseptic applied topically. Then the doctor punctures the skin with a clean and hygienic instrument in order to drain out the pus. It is very important that the procedure of incision and draining is done by a healthcare professional since if not properly treated, MRSA virus infection can spread within your body through blood stream.
- Warm Compresses: Warm compresses are generally used to bring a boil or abscess to a top and then allow it to drain on its own. In this treatment, a cloth wetted with hot water can be placed over the infected area. This needs to be done for several days to get results. Topical antimicrobials are also used with the warm compress for treating the MRSA disease.
- Antimicrobial Topical Creams: Topical creams and ointments with antimicrobial agents are often prescribed as a MRSA treatment option for infections of the skin. The antimicrobial agents are effective in killing the bacteria and preventing the bacteria from growing. Some of the commonly prescribed antimicrobial include Chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) and Iodine. These topical creams containing antimicrobials are applied to the infected area on the skin. Topical antimicrobials are often found to disturb the balance of “good” bacteria on the surface of the skin. These good bacteria guard your body against infection. With the use of antimicrobial creams, there are increased chances of re-infection.
- Antimicrobial Baths: As a MRSA treatment of skin infections, doctors often recommend using an antimicrobial antiseptic in the bath water. Bleach (Clorox) and Chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) are added in the bath water to treat the infected area.