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Is that a spider bite or a staph infection?
How to prevent the spread of staph infections
• Wash hands thoroughly and often with soap and water.
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
• Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages.
• Don't share towels, wash cloths, razors, soap, ointments or other personal items.
• Wipe down athletic gear like mats, head protectors and gym equipment with alcohol or antiseptic solution after each person uses it.
Top Emergency Room complaints
Abilene Regional Medical Center
1. Ear aches (swimmer's ear)
2. Insect bites and stings
3. Lacerations requiring stitches
4. Rashes -- heat or allergy related
5. Chest pain -- people overdoing physical activity and becoming overheated have triggered heart attacks and underlying heart problems.
Source: ARMC June report
Hendrick Medical Center
• Broken bones, some due to use of trampolines and ATVs
• Fatigue -- people staying up longer to take advantage of longer hours of daylight. They drive for too long and have accidents.
• Chronic disease injuries -- people with medical conditions go off prescribed diet restrictions at picnics, amusement parks, etc., and have diabetic reactions or high blood pressure problems.
• Heat related injuries, such as oil rig workers and sports competitors who come in with dehydration.
Source: June observations by Dr. Steve Kastl
More News videos Doctors say little bumps could be something serious
By Kathy Edwards
Special to the Reporter-News
Some local health providers are seeing more patients than usual coming in with what appear to be spider bites.
But the little welts with a small blister may not be bug bites, after all, but something more serious: a staph infection known as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.
"These so-called spider bites are actually MRSA infections, and it is a national major health issue," said Patti Bull, the Hendrick Medical Center infection control coordinator.
"MRSA is really not more aggressive than other bacteria; it just produces more toxins, and therefore more tissue destruction takes place," Bull said.
MRSA is a strain of staph that is resistant to the antibiotics commonly used to treat it and can be fatal, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Most MRSA infections occur in hospitals or other health-care settings, such as nursing homes and dialysis centers.
The skin infection generally starts out as small red bumps that resemble pimples, boils or spider bites. These can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses that require surgical draining, the Mayo Clinic Web site says.
"Sometimes the infection is folliculitis -- when staphylococcus bacteria or a fungus is able to enter the skin around a hair follicle, causing a boil or cyst that will need to be opened and drained," said Dr. Steve Kastl, a Hendrick Trauma Center physician.
Kastl said this line of treatment is also the standard way to treat a MRSA infection.
"We take a sample of the fluid from the infection and have it tested," he said. "Then in about two days, we have the results and know what antibiotics to administer. If the abscess closes up, we will have to reopen it and put in some kind of drain so the fluid can drain to the outside of the body."
Unfortunately, a person with MRSA can unknowingly give it to other people just by touching them. Staph is extremely contagious, said Bull.
"It only takes a small insult to the skin to allow MRSA to take advantage," said Bull. "Even physicians are sometimes fooled by the general appearance of the small, angry-looking area. If you aren't aware the infection is there and contagious, the proper precautions aren't taken and the infection can spread to others."
Skin infections can be life-threatening if bacteria get into the bloodstream. Drug-resistant strains also can cause a vicious type of pneumonia and even "flesh-eating" wounds.
Bull said the Hendrick lab has worked up cultures on so-called spider bites for small hospitals and doctors' offices in the 22-county area it covers, and most of the test results show MRSA.
Abilene Diagnostic Walk-in Care Clinic and Dr. J Express Care have reported large numbers of spider bites being treated.
"The bites have become infected with the antibiotic resistant staph, MRSA," said Marilyn Simpson, a registered nurse with the Walk-in Care Clinic.
Unfortunately, some physicians fail to realize the difference between a MRSA infection and a spider bite.
"It is time for physicians to realize just how prevalent this is," said Dr. Gregory Moran of Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, who led a 2006 study for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC paid for the study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in August 2006. Several authors consulted for companies that make antibiotics.
Researchers analyzed all skin infections among adults who went to hospital emergency rooms in 11 U.S. cities in August 2004. Of the 422 cases, 249 -- or 59 percent -- were caused by MRSA. Such bacteria are impervious to the penicillin family of drugs, long used for treatment.
Posted by ahs98 on July 3, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
my 3 yr old has had MRSA twice...and it is very common for toddlers to get it. the reason being is that there is plenty of moisture for the MRSA to grow in the diaper area. My advice to parents...look for changes in behavior in your child. that spot that looks like a pimple or mosquito bite or spider bite...does your child wince in pain and not want you to touch it? if so...note how your child is eating and drinking. is it normal or are they refusing food and drink?
Also, if you notice that bump...demand a test for Mrsa..not only on your child's spot..but also a nasal swab for the entire family. Carriers will only spread it...not get it. Trust your instincts. Remember, this is from a parent who has lived and delt with MRSA twice.
One other bit of advice, you can get Hebiclense at your local drugstore like walgreens. Use it along with your regualar body soap. it will cut down on the chance of getting MRSA tremendously.
Posted by RubyRed482 on July 3, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I've heard of hebiclense before...but what exactly is it? I do a lot of my work with clients at the state school, and I know I'm at high risk of exposure to MRSA. How do you find out if you're a carrier? It kind of scares me right now b/c I've got some open sores from an accident I had a week ago (got thrown off my stinkin' horse!) I keep them clean and covered, but this staph stuff is scary. I worked with a woman who had it, and she spent months in the hospital...not to mention once it appeared to clear up, she went home, only to have to return to the hospital 2 weeks later b/c she had it again.
Posted by ccmom on July 3, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What the article fails to touch on is the fact that the increase of MRSA cases is directly related to the overusage of antibiotics in this country. So many people (and especially parents on behalf of their children) demand antibiotics for every cold or sniffle. A reputable physician will not treat such viral infections with antibiotics, no matter how pressured they feel to do so. However, unfortunately the "people pleaser" physicans still remain who prescribe antibiotics for no other reason than to make the patient/parent feel like they are getting there money's worth from an office visit. Antibiotics will do nothing to relieve cold or other viral symptoms, but could provide an environment in the body that encourages future antibiotic resistance. Walk in clinics and emergency rooms are notorious for prescribing unneccessary antibiotics, so I am not surprised they did not mention any of this in their interviews for the article.
Posted by gnreed on July 3, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ccmom: You are absolutely 100% correct. Physicians make $$$$ by prescribing as many antibiotics and other drugs as they can. Everyone needs a second opinion before taking drugs that a physician describes.
Posted by ccmom on July 3, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
gnreed: If your above comment re:physicians making money is referring to the unfortunate fact that a doctor can gain popularity by prescribing whatever the patient wishes, then you are correct. However, just to be clear, a physician does not receive any additional revenue when he writes a prescription (anitibiotic or otherwise), unless he/she has ownership in the pharmacy where the drug is purchased. Of course, I am also not naive enough to believe that inappropriate transactions between pharmaceutical companies and physicians do not exist.
Posted by gnreed on July 3, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was mainly referring to physicians receiving rebates and cash from pharmaceutical companies while prescribing medications the patients do not need.
This is been going on for years but now people are catching on. Not all physicians do this, but the ones that are have hurt or killed alot of patients.
Posted by ccmom on July 3, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Unfortunately, you may be correct. However, I have been in medical administration for many years and have not worked with docs who practice in that manner. I guess I am fortunate enough to have worked with honest, moral physicians who are truly there to serve the best interest of their patients. I hope they are not a dying breed.
Posted by Dinner_4_2 on July 4, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FACT: Doctors do NOT receive rebates or cash from pharmaceutical companies for prescribing medications. Drug reps receive incentives for selling their product, but your doctor does not. Please do not assume you know truths.
Posted by gnreed on July 6, 2008 at 7:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dinner_4_2: You do not have the facts.
I CAN prove you wrong. If you read the newspapers you will find there are several physicians in a heap of trouble for receiving rebates from drug companies.
Posted by gnreed on July 6, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dinner_4_2:
You might try logging onto CBS Evening News and reading DOCTORS UNDER THE INFLUENCE. You will fing a doctor admitted receiving thousands of dollars for prescribing the drug Zoloft,including a TWELVE YEAR OLD girl, who eventually hung herself.
Posted by gnreed on July 6, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dinner_4_2: Please do not assume you know truths.
Posted by gnreed on July 6, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here is another link since you are convinced I am wrong.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/09/bus...
Physicians Reap Millions for Anemia Drugs
You can also try: medicalmalpracticedeath.blogspot.com
Posted by ahs98 on July 6, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Rubyred, hebicleanse it the same antibacterial soap wash that is used by medical staff in operating rooms. its a great disinfectant. use it as directed on the bottle...make sure to leave it on for a good couple of minutes before rinsing, then wash with your regular soap. Make sure not to use the same towel as well. To be tested, a nasal swab will be taken from your nose. i will warn you that it makes you want to sneeze cause they go way up there, and you will tear up. For testing if your sores..they will take a sample of fluid to test. it is best to have everyone in your home tested...as well as your pets. its rare for cats to carry it...but it has happened. dogs are known to be the main animal to carry it. but to be safe....just test everyone. it may cost you a couple hundred bucks for all the testings...but it will save you from thousands in the end. just my son for 4 days in the hospital...it was almost 10g's...more than having a baby and leaving in 24 hrs after birth.
I do agree thad doctors do overperscribe...but if you have a really good physican, then they won't. the docs that recive kicks backs from drug companies are the ones that give the entire medical community a bad name.
Posted by gnreed on July 6, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ahs98: I agree. Not all physicians do this. But the docs that do, need to be stopped.
Posted by RubyRed482 on July 7, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ahs98...thank you for the information. I'm guessing I can get that at any pharmacy? I will definitely look for it! As far as being tested for MRSA, I go back to the doc in a couple weeks and will ask about it. Thank you for the advice...much appreciated!
Posted by ahs98 on July 7, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)
just ask the pharmicist and they can point in you in the direction...its sold over the counter. and you are very welcome. i have noticed and have been very fustrated that the media and doctors don't give you all the information that you need...only the scare facts. i hope that with the advice and suggestions taht i have given...it will save someone a pretty penny, or even their life.
Good luck everyone!
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