DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have what my doctor calls a staph infection on my legs. It is now breaking out on my back. It seems as if the medication he gave me isn’t doing any good. Can you recommend treatment?
DEAR READER:
Staphylococcus (staph) is a type of bacteria that can lead tp infection of the skin. It can cause sores that may be swollen, painful and appear as a boils, furuncles and pus-filled lesions. There are over 30 different types of staph on the skin of up to 30% of all healthy adults. In the majority of cases the bacteria do not present a problem because of natural protective workings of the body. However, when skin is compromised because of a cut, scrape or other breakdown of the skin surface, bacteria can slip in and infection results.
Illness can range from very mild requiring no treatment to very severe which can be potentially fatal. Virtually anyone can develop an infection. People with chronic medical conditions, lung disorders, and injecting drug users are at greater risk than are others. Newborns are also susceptible.
A physician should view any potential infections to determine the proper course of treatment that can range from over-the-counter ointments to IV antibiotic therapy. When doubt remains, laboratory cultures should be obtained to determine the particular strain an individual has contracted so the right treatment can be administered.
If the antibiotic your physician has prescribed is not doing the job, return to him or her for an exam and change of medication.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Consumer Tips on Medicines”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
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