Staph soft tissue infections cause abscesses to form.
Staph is short for staphylococcus aureus, which is a common bacterium. Staph is one of the primary causes of soft tissue infections, though they are typically mild.
Symptoms
Staph soft tissue infections typically involve the formation of an abscess. The area surrounding the abscess is generally swollen, red and warm to the touch.
Causes
The staph bacteria can easily enter skin that has been broken or punctured. The time frame between exposure and the development of a staph infection ranges from days to several years.
Treatment
Staph soft tissue infections are typically treated with prescribed antibiotic medications. Some staph infections require an incision and drainage.
Considerations
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports that about 30 percent of the population carries staph bacterium, though a majority of carriers won't ever develop any signs of staph infection.
Complications
Untreated staph soft tissue infections can spread to the blood, joints or bone, causing more serious, potentially life-threatening conditions.
Transmission
Staph bacteria spread primarily through direct, person-to-person contact with a contaminated individual. The bacteria can also spread through the air via droplets.
Tags: soft tissue infections, tissue infections, soft tissue, infections typically, soft tissue, staph infection
