MRSA Facts and Info
Information courtesy of HIBICLENS® & HIBISTAT®
Click on the links below for more information about each topic:
MRSA FAQ
What is MRSA? >>
What does MRSA look like? >>
How do you treat MRSA? >>
How do you contract MRSA? >>
How can you prevent MRSA? >>
MRSA Lifespan Facts >>
MRSA Do's and Don't's >>
What is MRSA?
• MRSA is a resistant form of Staphylococcus aureus that can live on the skin and cause skin infections.
• Intact skin is the body's natural defense against infection.
• Any abrasion or break in the skin creates a potential portal of entry.
• Abraded skin under a pad may create a portal of entry for infection. Pads do not protect against infection, and they may, in fact, be carriers of bacteria that can cause infection.
• CA-MRSA (Community Acquired-MRSA, which is different than Hospital Acquired-MRSA) has many treatment options and is very treatable if diagnosed in the early stages.
• MRSA is most commonly misdiagnosed as a spider bite, impetigo or as a harmless pimple. Look for disproportionately greater pain compared to the size of the affected area to help differentiate MRSA from lesser concerns. Another important thing to consider is that spider bites are extremely rare. You are more likely to be struck by lightning than to be bitten by a spider. Informed health care professionals in high risk environments often treat "spider bites" as MRSA if a dead (brown recluse) spider cannot be produced.
• Always consult a health care professional immediately if MRSA is suspected.
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What does MRSA look like?
• The most common misdiagnoses of MRSA are spider bites, impetigo, and cellulites. Spider bites are very rare, they should be treated as suspected MRSA infections. Below are some photos of MRSA infections:
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How do you contract MRSA?
• CA-MRSA (Community Acquired) does not always colonize in the nose like HA-MRSA (Hospital Acquired) • It is spread via contact with the skin that has the infection or surfaces that have come in contact with infected skin • MRSA can live for months on surfaces and fabrics • HA-MRSA (Hospital Acquired) is usually colonized in the nose and the colonized individual may not show any symptoms of the infection • MRSA can be transferred from the nose to other surfaces and individuals via the Hands
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How do you treat MRSA?
• Consult a physician or medical professional if MRSA is suspected.
• Use a topical antimicrobial (Hibiclens) to cleanse skin areas where MRSA is suspected.
• Keep all suspected MRSA infections covered with a clean, dry bandage.
• Clean all cloths, linens and towels in HOT water and dry completely.
• Clean all potentially contaminated surfaces with a solution of 1:100 household bleach to water or another cleaner proven to kill MRSA2.
• Culture suspected MRSA wounds to verify MRSA and determine antibiotic susceptibility.
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How can you prevent MRSA?
• If MRSA is suspected, a medical professional should be notified immediately.
• To avoid contamination, wash skin areas that are at risk frequently with an antimicrobial soap with persistence (Hibiclens3).
• To avoid cross contamination, wash hands frequently with an antimicrobial soap with persistence (Hibiclens continues to kill germs for up to 6 hours after washing3).
• When a sink is not available or convenient, use an alcohol rub or wipe which has persistence (Hibistat with CHG3).
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MRSA Life Span Facts4
• MRSA can live for up to 7 months on dust.
• MRSA can live for up to 8 weeks on a mop head.
• MRSA can live for up to 9 weeks on cotton (towel).
• MRSA can live for up to 203 days (over 6 months) on a blanket.
• MRSA can live on the skin of otherwise healthy individuals, with no symptoms indefinitely.
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Do's and Dont's
DO's
• Wash hands at least 3 times per day or whenever they are visibly soiled with Hibiclens to help prevent cross-contamination.
• Wash potentially contaminated skin immediately after activity in water as hot as can be comfortably tolerated using a antimicrobial cleanser. (Hibiclens)
• Advise people you come into close contact with to wash their hands with a liquid antimicrobial cleanser. (Hibiclens)
• Wash hands and forearms above the elbow before and after activity where contamination is likely. (Hibiclens)
DONT's
• Get in a whirlpool or common tub.
• Share bars of soap, razors, towels, or athletic gear.
• Wait to see if it gets better on its own.
• Contact infected area with any surface that is shared by others.
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References
1Journal of Infection Control (2001) 49: 255-261.
2Antibiotic resistant Staph infection MRSA fact sheet for patients, County of Orange. Accessed at: http://www.ochealhinfo.com/docs/public/epi/mrsa/MRSA-FactSheet.pdf.
3Study #030917-150.
4Journal of Infection Control (2001) 49: 255-261.