Staphis a shorthand way to talk about theStaphylococcus aureusbacteria, which is a common cause of skin infections.
Staph can also cause other infections throughout the body.
It is routinely pronounced M.R.S.A., not MUR-SA.
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Unfortunately, some staph infections, especially invasive MRSA infections, can be deadly.
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The diagnosis of most skin infections is made by the pattern of symptoms and physical exam findings.
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In often doesn’t matter, as the antibiotic prescribed will likely treat either bacteria.
aureus, or another bacteria.
Treatment
Antistaphylococcal antibiotics are the usual treatments for staph infections.
This may include a topical antibiotic cream (Bactroban, Altabax, etc.)
Commonly used oral antistaphylococcal antibiotics include the first-generation cephalosporins like cephalexin and cefadroxil.
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