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- Good morning. My name is Abdullah. I work as a medical consultant who assists doctors and healthcare workers in many factors such as the confidentiality of patients' information. I also collect and analyze data in order to come up with recommendations to my patients. Moreover, I tend to brainstorm ideas to enhance the hospital's performance. How can I help you?
- Medical ConsultantStaphylococcusAbdullah Hammoud Grade6E
- Good morning. My name is Jack. I'm 20 years old. I need your help regarding this skin infection.Recently, it appeared under my arm and then to my eyelid as well. I want to know if it is contagious, and if it is a severe disease.
- During the weekend, I visited the park twice. I also went to the stadium to watch the final football match between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Additionally, I borrowed my brother's razor to shave my beard.
- First of all, what activities did you do in the last ten days? Have you been exposed to a crowed place lately? Did you share any personal items with your family or friends?
- Well, this disease is called Staphylococcus which is caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. This infection is contagious and can be transmitted directly through person-person contact or indirectly if you touch contaminated items or surfaces such as taps and door knobs in case you have an open wound or a scrape. Since you were in two crowded places, you most probably caught it through skin-skin contact, or even from a contaminated doorknob or tap if you used the bathroom. Also, you might have caught it indirectly from your brother's contaminated razor if he is infected. By the way, if your brother is not infected, you should warn him that he must not used his razor you borrowed since it is contaminated now.
- Oh!
- May you tell me more about your symptoms, and when did it appear?
- Well, under my arm, there is a swollen, red, painful lump. It started since six days, and then yesterday my eyelid became red, warm and uncomfortable. It is also painful.
- The infection under your arm is mild and called a boil which occurred due to an infected hair follicle. When the lump fills with pups, it grows larger and becomes more painful until it ruptures and drains; however if more boils clustered in the same area, they will form a carbuncle which will make you have fever and feel ill. The infection in your eye is called a stye, and it was transmitted from touching the infected skin under your arm and then to your eyes.
- First of all, you have to know that getting medical care early prevents the infection from becoming severe. You must see a doctor to have a laboratory test to know if this infection is due to staphylococcus or another bacteria. Until you get this medical care, you have to cover the infected skin with a clean bandage. Put a heating pad to the skin for 20 minutes, or soak the affected area in warm water. Take pain relievers if needed. Apply antibiotic ointment if recommended by the doctor. A boil usually takes 10 to 20 days to heal without treatment, and with treatment the healing time becomes less. As for your stye, use warm compress over the eyes. Usually a stye will need a topical antibiotic, which the doctor will prescribe it for you.
- Well, what is the treatment for this infection?
- Sure, I will inform him. Thank you Abdullah.
- How can I prevent myself from this disease?
- You must wash your hand thoroughly and frequently, and take a shower everyday. In order for your infection not to spread to other areas in your body, you must keep the infected skin covered whenever possible and avoid touching directly the infected skin. Use disposal towels to clean and dry the infected area, or use the towel once and wash it with hot water. As a responsible citizen, you should prevent an outbreak in the community. To do so, avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors. Also, keep your cuts and wounds clean and covered with bandages until they heal. Wash clothes, towels, and bed lines in hot water. Finally, contact the doctor as soon as possible if the infection becomes worse or spreads among your family. You must follow the doctor's instructions about the proper care for the wound. Pus from infected area can contain MRSA. By the way, inform your brother to visit a doctor.
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