Staph Infection in Children
Dr.Kut | Jan 13, 2010 | Comments 0
All of us are surrounded by staphylococcus aureus bacteria. They even exist on surfaces of the skin of healthy people. If staph enters the body through skin or some other route then they case various diseases and infection.
Diseases caused by staph infection in children: A wide variety of staph infections are found in children. These illnesses caused by staphylococcus can range from mild infections of skin to toxic shock syndromes. Commonly found skin infections in children include conjunctivitis in eyes, nasal staph infection during cold, impetigo, acnes, boils or infected wounds. Newborns can also suffer from staph infections in the form of blocked tear ducts. Scalded skin syndrome is a severe form of staph infection in children. Staph infection in children can affect their ears, nose and throat. Various diseases caused by staph infection in children are: pneumonia, infective arthritis, bone infections and severe meningitis. Food poisoning is one of the most common diseases caused by staph bacteria in children. Staph infection in children is a common phenomenon and most of the children suffer from it in some form or the other. Underlying chronic diseases in children is caused by staph bacteria in the body. These diseases may include diabetes or infections at areas where instrumental, artificial body organs are used like shunts, catheters, or artificial joints.
Food poisoning due to staph: Food poisoning caused due to staph infection in children can be prevented by avoiding contaminated food. Staph usually enters the food if it is handled with infected hands. If the one who prepares food is suffering from staph infections like pimples, rashes, boils, or nasal secretions then the food might also get infected by staph. If immediately after the introduction of staph in the food, the food is not cooked or refrigerated, then staph bacteria are multiplied and a toxin is produced by them which cannot be destroyed even on cooking.
If your child reported a miserable feeling after a meal, staph infection is a probable cause. The symptoms can be seen quickly after one eats the infected food. Severe nausea, vomiting, cramps or even diarrhea. The vomiting is not accompanied by fever and hence it becomes very difficult to identify the cause of illness.
Foods like sandwiches, egg salads, cream-filled pastries, sliced ham, poultry products, salad dressings and food which do not require cooking are infected by staph. Since children usually eat these foods often in canteens or cafes, they become susceptible to staph infection. :
Symptoms and precautions: Staph infection in children is found in various forms and the symptoms differ according to the disease caused by staph. Some of the general symptoms of staph skin infections are pus, boils, pimples, swelling of lymph nodes etc.
Staph infection in children can be prevented by teaching them proper technique of basic hand washing. People with runny nose, or untreated wounds should not be involved in cooking. Precautions must be taken to avoid direct contact with people suffering from staph infection.
Staph infection in children is very common, and can be cured with proper treatment.
Antibiotic creams, eye drops, or oral medicines should be chosen according to the resistance of the identified staph. Staph infection in children is usually mild and can be treated easily under the supervision of a trained doctor.
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Filed Under: Infection • Skin, Hair and Nails • Staphylococcal Infections
