HIV and AIDS: Causes, symptoms, treatment, and more
MRSA 'out Of Control And Getting Stronger'
By EMILY COOK, Daily Mail
The MRSA superbug has evolved into 'fitter' strains which could prove even more resistant to treatment, a leading scientist warned on Tuesday.
Professor Hajo Grundmann, a world expert in infectious diseases, said MRSA in hospitals is already 'out of control' in many countries.
But the emergence of stronger and more virulent strains could prove potentially 'explosive'.
MRSA - or methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus - has already become resistant to most common antibiotics, making it difficult to treat with drugs. Once it gets into the body, through wounds or medical tubes, it can cause an infection that could kill someone already weakened by illness.
In Britain, it is estimated that MRSA and other infections such as clostridium difficile kill up to 5,000 patients every year, despite a Government drive to clean up hospitals.
Other estimates claim the real figure may be twice as high. In England alone, 300,000 patients pick up an infection in hospital every year.
According to Professor Grundmann, between two million and 52million people worldwide could be carrying the superbug.
MRSA is now so widespread that in many parts of the world it is the most commonly identified bacterium which is resistant to antibiotics.
Writing in The Lancet, scientists from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, in Holland, said that MRSA is regularly found in Europe, North and South America, North Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia.
The MRSA situation in hospitals could become 'explosive'
Professor Grundmann, who is scientific co-ordinator of the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System, said rates of MRSA are beginning to rise in Scandinavia and the Netherlands, where levels had been low in the past.
This indicates that new strains are spreading which are resistant to traditional treatment.
He added: 'If the new community-acquired MRSA clones are sufficiently fit to sustain endemic levels by transmission into the community, the MRSA situation in hospitals, which still remains out of control in many countries, could potentially become explosive.
'The onus is on healthcare authorities to develop not only surveillance systems that are able to monitor the clonal dynamics of MRSA over wide geographical areas, but also to provide the resources for early recognition of MRSA carriers through rapid screening.'
This year, a survey revealed that three times as many British patients were worried about catching MRSA as about delays in treatment.
The Office for National Statistics said that between 2003 and 2004, the number of deaths in which MRSA was mentioned on the death certificate rose by 22 per cent.
The MRSA infection was also six times more likely to be mentioned on the death certificates of patients in NHS hospitals and care homes than those who died elsewhere.
{"status":"error","code":"499","payload":"Asset id not found: readcomments comments with assetId=391634, assetTypeId=1"}Cellulitis Usually Affects The Skin On The Lower Legs, But It Can Occur Anywhere On The Body
Cellulitis (sel-u-LIE-tis) is a common infection of the skin and the soft tissues underneath. It happens when bacteria enter a break in the skin and spreads. The result is an infection which may cause swelling, redness, pain, or warmth to the area. Cellulitis usually affects the skin on the lower legs, but it can occur anywhere on the body, the face, arms and other areas. It occurs when a crack or break in your skin allows bacteria to enter. Left untreated, the infection can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream, rapidly becoming life-threatening. It does not usually spread from person to person.
Cellulitis usually occurs on one side of the body. Possible signs and symptoms of cellulitis include red area of skin that tends to expand, swelling, tenderness, pain, warmth, fever, red spots, blisters, and skin dimpling.
Cellulitis occurs when bacteria, most commonly gram-positive bacteria like streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in your skin. The incidence of a more serious staphylococcus infection called methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasing.
Although cellulitis can occur anywhere on your body, the most common location is the lower leg. Bacteria is most likely to enter disrupted areas of skin, such as where you've had recent surgery, cuts, scratches or puncture wounds, an ulcer, athlete's foot or dermatitis. Animal bites can also cause cellulitis. Bacteria can also enter through dry, flaky skin or swollen skin.
Risk factors
Several factors put you at increased risk of cellulitis:
Injury: Any cut, fracture, burn or scrape gives bacteria an entry point.
Weakened immune system: Conditions that weaken your immune system such as diabetes, leukemia and HIV/AIDS leave you more susceptible to infections.
Skin conditions: Conditions such as eczema, athlete's foot and shingles can cause breaks in the skin, which gives bacteria an entry point.
Chronic swelling of your arms or legs (lymphedema): This condition sometimes follows surgery.
History of cellulitis: Having had cellulitis before makes you prone to develop it again.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing cellulitis.
When to see a doctor
It's important to identify and treat cellulitis early because it can spread quickly throughout your body. If you think you have cellulitis, seek medical care if you have a red, swollen, tender, warm rash; with or without a fever or chills; nausea and vomiting; enlarging or hardening of the reddened area; increased pain; and numbness of the area when touched.
At the doctor's visit, your doctor will take a medical history and do a physical exam. They may also order a blood test if the infection is suspected to have spread to your blood stream. An x-ray or a culture may also be done to rule out foreign object.
Treatment
Rest the area. Elevate the area to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Use over-the-counter pain relievers such ad acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) to ease the pain, as well as keep your fever down.
If the infection isn't too bad, antibiotics by mouth for a week to 14 days will be ordered. If the infection is severe, IV (intravenous) antibiotics may be ordered and sometimes you may even need to stay in the hospital for a while. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to make sure the infection is gone.
Complications
Recurrent episodes of cellulitis may damage the lymphatic drainage system and cause chronic swelling of the affected limb. The infection can spread to the deep layers of the skin but this rarely happens. When this occurs, necrotizing fasciitis is an example of a deep-layer infection. It is an emergency.
Prevention
If cellulitis recurs, your doctor may recommend antibiotics to help prevent cellulitis and other infections. If you have an open wound or cut, take these precautions to make sure it heals and does not get infected,
Cleanse wound daily: Soak gauze or cotton in saline and gently wipe the area.
Apply a protective cream or ointment: For most superficial wounds, use an over-the-counter ointment or hydrogel to provide a moist wound environment.
Cover your wound with a bandage: Change bandages at least once daily.
Watch for any signs of infection: Redness, pain and drainage all signal possible infection and the need for medical evaluation.
People with diabetes and those with poor circulation need to take extra precautions to prevent skin injury. Good skin care measures include the following:
Inspect your feet daily: Regularly check your feet for signs of injury so you can catch infections early.
Moisturize your skin regularly: Lubricating your skin helps prevent cracking and peeling. Do not apply moisturizer to open sores.
Trim your fingernails and toenails carefully: Take care not to injure the surrounding skin.
Protect your hands and feet: Wear appropriate footwear and gloves.
Treat infections on the skin (superficial), such as athlete's foot quickly: Superficial skin infections can easily spread from person to person. Don't wait to start treatment.
For more information email info@familyfootcentre.Com or visit www.Foothealthfacts.Org or www.Footlogix.Com. To see a podiatrist visit Family Foot Centre on #45 Daffodil Avenue, Independence Highway or call 605-3668; Bahamas Surgical Associates Centre at Hill Top Medical, telephone 603-1814/5. In Grand Bahama visit Lucayan Medical Center on East Sunrise Highway or call 373-7400.
Pharmacist Says Skin Change 'silent Messenger' Of Serious Problems
A pharmacist has warned people not to overlook changes to their skin because they could be vital clues to a life-threatening condition. From a subtle discolouration to a change in texture or feel, skin can serve as a silent messenger that can be the first signs of an underlying health condition.
George Sandhu, Deputy Pharmacy Superintendent from independent pharmacist Well Pharmacy, said: "Whether you're curious about a pimple, dry patch or discolouration, your skin can act as a barometer for your general wellbeing. Skin is a major organ, capable of revealing not just cosmetic but also potentially life-threatening conditions – it's not something to take lightly.
"Through observation, we can identify changes that may signify deeper health issues."
10 of the most well-known skin conditions, that could indicate concerns:
SHINGLES
Red blotchy skin, which turns into itchy blisters, that ooze fluid.
Shingles is an infection that causes a painful rash. First signs can include tingling or a painful feeling in an area of skin, headaches and feeling generally unwell.
A rash will usually appear a few days later. In rare cases shingles can cause pain without a rash. Usually, the shingles rash occurs on the chest and belly, but it can appear anywhere on your body including on your face, eyes and genitals.
You cannot spread shingles to others. But people could catch chickenpox from you if they have not had chickenpox before or have not had the chickenpox vaccine.
The NHS suggests avoiding pregnant mothers who have not had chickenpox before and people with a weakened immune system – like someone having chemotherapy and newborn babies. If symptoms of shingles occur, the new service Pharmacy First allows pharmacists to provide advice and treatment.
IMPETIGO
Starts itchy, red and sore. Once healed a crusty, yellow or "honey-coloured" scab forms over the sore
Impetigo is a very contagious skin infection, but not usually serious. It often gets better in seven to 10 days if you get treatment.
Conditions start with red sores or blisters, which quickly burst and leave crusty golden-brown patches. The NHS says the patches can look like cornflakes stuck to the skin and can be painful. Impetigo can easily spread to other parts of your body or to other people until it stops being contagious.
The condition generally stops being contagious 48 hours after the infected person starts using prescribed hydrogen peroxide cream or antibiotics or when the patches dry out and crust over. Pharmacy First allows pharmacists in England to provide advice and treatments for Impetigo.
ATOPIC ECZEMA
Red, weepy, crusty, itchy, flaky patches, like oval or circular-shaped areas on the skin.
Atopic eczema, sometimes called Atopic dermatitis, is one of the most common forms of eczema, a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, dry and cracked. The skin condition causes the skin to become itchy, dry, cracked and sore. Some only have small patches of dry skin, but others may experience widespread inflamed skin all over the body.
SEPSIS
Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, which can also appear on lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It happens when the immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage the body's tissues and organs. Other names for sepsis include septicaemia or blood poisoning. Treatment in hospital is essential straight away. You should expect to be given antibiotics within one hour of arriving at hospital.
If sepsis is not treated early, it can turn into septic shock and cause organs to fail, which can cause death. Patients may need other tests or treatments depending on symptoms; these can include treatment in an intensive care unit, being put on a ventilator, surgery to remove areas of infection and a stay in hospital for several weeks.
Most people make a full recovery from sepsis. But it can take time. Physical and emotional symptoms may continue for months, or even years, after a person has had sepsis. These long-term effects are called post-sepsis syndrome and can include feeling tired and weak, lack of appetite, picking up illnesses more often, changes in mood, flashbacks and PTSD.
STAPH INFECTIONS
A painful red lump or bump on the skin
Staph infections are caused by bacteria called staphylococcus.
Symptoms include a painful red lump or bump on the skin, hot, red or swollen skin, sore, crusts, blistering and red or sore eyelids. The infection tends to go away on its own but can sometimes need antibiotics.
The bacteria that cause staph infections live harmlessly on many people's skin, often in the nose, armpits, groin and buttocks. They usually only cause an infection if they get into the skin – for example, through a bite or cut.
The NHS says the bacteria can spread through close skin contact, sharing towels and toothbrushes and less common, through droplets in coughs and sneezes.
MRSA
Red and swollen patch of skin, which leaks pus of liquid. Warm to touch.
MRSA is a type of bacteria that usually lives harmlessly on the skin, but if it gets inside the body, it can cause a serious infection that needs immediate treatment with antibiotics.
Most people the bacteria on their skin do not have any symptoms, but if you get an MRSA infection under your skin, you may have an area of skin that is painful and swollen, feels warm when you touch it, leaks pus or looks red.
The infection can spread to your blood, lungs, or other parts of your body, which causes symptoms that include high temperature, difficulty breathing, chills, dizziness and confusion. MRSA will only cause an infection if it spreads inside the body, as it lives harmlessly on the skin and mainly spreads through touch.
This can also happen if you touch a person with MRSA, or something they've touched.
PITYRIASIS VERSICOLOR
May be darker or lighter than your normal skin colour, main discolouration may be red, brown or pink
Pityriasis versicolor, also known as tinea versicolor is a common fungal skin infection. The condition is caused by a type of fungus that lives on the skin.
With most people carrying this fungus on their skin without it causing problems, it can something grow and spread more than usual. It's not always clear why this happens. The NHS has suggested that it's not caused by not washing your skin and most people who have it are otherwise healthy.
MENINGITIS
A rash which starts with small, red pinpricks before spreading quickly and turning into red or purple blotches.
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). The infection can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
With the effects of meningitis developing suddenly it is important to be aware of symptoms, which include a high temperature, sickness, headaches, a rash that does not fade when a glass if rolled over it, a stiff neck, dislike to bright lights, drowsiness and seizures.
Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis. Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through sneezing, coughing and kissing.
Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves. It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common.
Bacterial meningitis usually needs to be treated in hospital for at least a week while viral meningitis tends to get better on its own within seven to 10 days and can often be treated at home.
CELLULITIS
Red, Hot & Swollen
Cellulitis is a skin infection that's treated with antibiotics. It can be serious if it's not treated quickly. The condition makes skin feel painful, hot and swollen. Skin may also be blistered, and well creating painful glands.
MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM
2 to 5mm wide spots usually appear together. They are raised and dome-shaped with a shiny white dimple in the middle.
Molluscum contagiosum is an infection that causes spots on the skin. It is usually harmless and rarely needs treatment. The spots caused by molluscum contagiosum are usually harmless and should clear up within 18 months without needing treatment.
The condition is usually passed on by direct skin-to-skin contact, however the chance of passing it on to other people during normal activities is so small that normal day-to- day activities can continue.
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