Know The Truth About MRSASkin Infections (NAPSA)—The truth about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) maysurprise you. MRSAis a type of staph bacteria that causes skin and other kinds of infections. Sometimes called “the superbug,” MRSAis resistant to certain antibiotics, but several antibiotics still work. And manytimes, antibiotics aren’t even needed—doctors are often able to treat MRSA skin infections by simply draining them. Because skin infections caused by MRSAare increasing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a new campaign to educate families about MRSA. Although most of these skin infections are mild, some infections may becomelife threatening. There are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from MRSAskininfections: Step 1: Know the signs and symptoms of MRSA and get treatmentearly. A staph skin infection, including one caused by MRSA,usually appears as a bump or infected area on the skin that may be red, SORES MRSAis a type of staph bacteria that causes skin and other kinds of infections. Sometimes called “the superbug,” MRSAis resis- tant to certain antibiotics, but several antibiotics still work. care of the infection. Be sureto discard used bandagesin the trash. Step 3: Encourage good Bacteria and other germs are often spread from person to person by direct contact—mostly by our hands. Clean your handsfrequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, especially after changing a bandage or touching infected skin. Step 4: Discourage sharing of personal items such as towels and razors. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors or clothing that may have had contact with infected skin or soiled bandages. Wash sheets, towels and clothes with water and laundry detergent. Water temperatures for household laundry depend on the typeof fiber or fabric of the clothing. In general, wash and dry in the warmest temperatures recommended on the clothing label. Use a clothes dryer to dry clothes completely. For more information on the handsregularly. www.cdc.gov/MRSA. swollen, painful, warm to the touch, or full of pus or other drainage. It is especially important to contact your health care provider if these signs and symptoms are accompaniedbya fever. Step 2: Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered. Keeping cuts and scrapes covered will help prevent spreading bacteria to others. If you think the area is infected, contact your health care provider and follow his or her instructions about proper hygiene such as cleaning CDC’s campaign, please visit
