Understanding MRSA

Don’t Let This Bacteria Follow You Home

If you would have asked me five years ago if parents and teachers would know what MRSA stands for, I would have exclaimed a definitive, “No. Thank goodness!” That’s because community-acquired MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) used to be a rarity. Now, unfortunately, I have seen more cases of it than I ever imagined. Hopefully the following facts will help keep your kids clear of this bad bacteria in the upcoming school year.

What is MRSA?

MRSA is a type of bacteria that is very resistant to most antibiotics. It used to be seen mainly in hospital settings, but more recently is making a grand entrance into the community. This skin infection often resembles pimples or boils which may be very tender, painful and oozy. What is so dangerous is that this infection of the skin can travel deeper, into the bones, blood stream, heart and lungs, which can cause life-threatening infections even in otherwise healthy individuals.

How is MRSA transmitted? MRSA enters the skin usually through a cut or scrape and is transmitted via direct skin-to-skin contact. Some of the risk factors for acquiring community-associated MRSA include:

• Young age

• Participation in contact sports

• Sharing of personal items such as towels or razors

• A weakened immune system

•Crowded and/or unsanitary conditions

How can I prevent MRSA? Some important prevention tips include:

• Cover all scrapes and cuts with adhesive bandages until fully healed. MRSA enters the skin very easily through open wounds. Keep them protected, especially at school and when playing contact sports.

• Shower after participation in games and practices.

• Make sure children practice proper hygiene and hand-washing techniques. It is also a good idea for them to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in their back-packs.

• If someone in your home has MRSA, take care to properly sanitize all linens, preferably in hot water with bleach.

What is the treatment?

 This is the tough part. Treating an infection caused by MRSA often involves multiple antibiotics and vigilant wound care. It is critical for persons infected with this type of bacteria to keep their sores covered with clean, dry bandages until properly healed.

If the bacteria spread to other parts of the body such as the heart, lungs or blood stream, hospitalization may be necessary. Even with all of the necessary precautions, MRSA can still affect the most vigilant and healthy of individuals.

If your child develops what looks like a bug bite or boil which then starts to become fluid-filled, I recommend that you make an appointment with a doctor. He or she will likely culture the wound if it looks infected to determine the cause, and then prescribe the necessary antibiotics. It is important to ensure that your child finishes the antibiotic as prescribed to prevent any future resistance.

*P.S.S. (Parent Sanity Saver): To find out more about outbreaks of MRSA in your community, visit the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov.

Medicine Mom Update Dr. Tara’s column is currently undergoing a format change and will be on hold until its re-launch in January 2009.  The new column will consist of a Q&A segment with reader-submitted questions related to family health and happiness. This includes conditions affecting both parent and child. Please send any and all questions to Dr. Tara directly at drk@themedicinemom.com and be sure to include your name and town with your e-mail.

Tara Kompare is a doctor of pharmacy and the author of “The Colic Chronicles: A Mother’s Survival Guide to Calming Your Baby While Keeping Your Cool.” She lives in Virginia with her two amazing little girls. Visit www.themedicinemom.com or email her directly at drk@themedicinemom.com.

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