ABC News and the AP reported on a growing problem in many locker rooms: Skin infections from staph and MRSA. While common staph bacteria is found in approximately 25% of the healthy population, MRSA bacteria is a more dangers strain of staph that is resistant to antibiotics. This means it can be particularly difficult to treat and make prevention important part in staying infection-free.
MRSA infections are becoming more common in community settings with as many as 12% popping up on the athletic field or in the locker room.
MRSA infections are becoming more common in community settings with as many as 12% popping up on the athletic field or in the locker room.
"Athletes most at-risk of contracting MRSA infections are those involved in contact sports, like football and wrestling, because of the large amount of body-to-body contact. Even if a player is not involved in a contact sport, they are still susceptible to infection from common gym equipment or towels. Factors associated with the spread of MRSA skin infections include: skin-to-skin contact, cuts or skin abrasions, contaminated surfaces, crowded living conditions, and poor hygiene."The danger of MRSA needs to be stressed to young athletes and good hygiene practices need to be taught at a young age, when kids are impressionable. MRSA and other staph infections are generally red, swollen, and painful, with pus or other drainage and must be treated immediately. If treatment is delay, infections may lead to pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or even death. Read more from ABCNews.com.
posted by Super Clean Gear at 7:00 PM
