MRSA, also known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is oftentimes referred to as superbug due to the fact that it is resistant to a wide variety of antibiotics, making the infection it causes harder to treat than others.
Staphylococcus aureus is actually a very common type of bacteria. In fact, it can be found on the skin and even in your throat, and may cause mild infections such as impetigo and boils when the number of Staphylococcus aureus goes out of control. However, complications are very likely to arise if it gets into the system through a break or injury in your skin. When it happens, it can cause problems such as poisoning of the blood or inflammation of the heart.
Getting Staphylococcus aureus infection is very easy. You may acquire it by coming into contact with someone who is infected by it or has some of the said type of bacteria living on his or her skin. It’s possible to get it when you use contaminated objects such as a towel or doorknob. Getting infected is very likely at a hospital setting. That’s because you may come into contact with patients who has it, your immune system is weakened because of a health condition, or the type of bacteria may get introduced into your body via a medical procedure.
The signs and symptoms of having an MRSA infection vary. It largely depends on the infected body part. For instance, a skin infection may cause redness and swelling of the affected area. Pain and the presence of pus are not unlikely. Some of the signs and symptoms present when Staphylococcus aureus penetrates deeper into the body include dizziness, confusion, malaise, muscle pain, fever and chills.
A course of antibiotics (topical, oral or injected, depending on the type and severity of the problem) is the treatment for MRSA infection. Because the kind of bacteria behind it is resistant to an assortment of antibiotics, doctors administer certain kinds of antibiotics only to have the problem treated effectively.
MRSA infection of the skin may require additional treatments such as incision and drainage, particularly when boils are present. On the other hand, you may have to be isolated or placed in a small room with other patients infected with MRSA if you have a more invasive infection.
There are a handful of home remedies that are said to be effective against MRSA infection of the skin. However, it’s important to take note that you should inform your doctor about your intention of using them. The following are some of the all-natural cures you may count on when having a bout of MRSA infection:
• Turmeric – Applying turmeric topically may help deal with MRSA infection due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. When taken orally, turmeric may help deal with other symptoms such as muscle pain.
• Garlic – Thanks to the superb antibacterial capacity of garlic, it may be used topically or orally to manage an MRSA infection. Garlic promotes a normal pH level too, making the body less friendly to Staphylococcus aureus.
• Manuka honey – Due to the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of raw manuka honey, it may be applied on the site of infection brought about by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
• Tea tree oil – Placing a few drops of tea tree oil on the part of the infected skin is said to be an effective home remedy. Diluting tea tree oil with water is recommended to prevent skin irritation.
• Oregano oil – Many swear by the effectiveness of using oregano oil for MRSA infection of the skin. However, just like tea tree oil, it’s not unlikely for someone with sensitive skin to experience some irritation.
• Eucalyptus oil – Because it has potent antibacterial properties, eucalyptus oil may be used for skin areas affected by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It also provides immediate relief from other symptoms.
