Ways to Prevent Staph Infections

Click Here for the AAP guide to staph infections

For General Prevention

• The best method to stop the spread of staph is hand washing.  You should wash your hands for 15-20 seconds frequently with warm water and soap.  If soap is not available, alcohol-based sanitizers should be used.
• Shower before going to be and after every athletic activity using soap and clean towels.
• Use liquid soaps rather than sharing a bar soap with others.
• Don't share personal hygiene or other items such as towels, soap, clothing and razors.  Use a fresh towel for each shower.
• Skin cuts, scrapes or breaks should be kept clean and dry to minimize the chance of developing an infection.
• Proper bandages should be used to keep all infected wounds covered. Students should not be allowed to participate in athletics, gym class, etc., if an infected wound cannot be covered.
• Perform daily surface cleaning. These surfaces should be washed after each use with a disinfectant, such as bleach or hospital-grade disinfectant like hibiclens.
• Wash all bed linens and towels in your house TODAY.
• Wear loose-fitting and/or sweat-absorbent clothing.  Choose cotton and other natural fibers instead of synthetic materials such as polyester.

For recurrent STAPH infections a more aggressive approach is:

• Shower with chlorhexidine (Hibiclens, Hibistat, Betasept) every morning and every night. Chlorhexidine is available without a prescription from most pharmacies. Do not use soaps during this time.  This wash will clean, but it will not foam or suds like other soap, so make sure to rub it all over your body.  Continue for 7 days.

• If you prefer to take a bath, you can prepare a bleach bath for cleansing and do this every morning and night.  Add one cup of bleach to a bathtub full of water.  Clean yourself with only the bleach water and a washcloth.  Continue this process for one week.
• Ask your doctor if treating your nasal cavity with an antibiotic cream like the prescription mupirocin (Bactroban) is advised.  You place the ointment in the front part of your nose every morning and every night for seven days.  Apply after bathing.

If you still have two infections in less than 6 months please call our office and set up an appointment with your regular doctor.