Treatment and Prevention of Staph Infections of the Foot

Are you worried about staph infections of the foot? You’ve likely seen pictures and heard horror stories about a staph infection that has turned serious and led to severe health problems and even amputations. A staph infection can be a result of several different issues, and it is vital to know how to treat and prevent the condition to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Below, we will cover tips for the treatment and prevention of foot staph infections to put your mind at ease and help you know what to do.

What Causes a Foot Staph Infection?

A staph infection is a result of the bacteria known as staphylococcus, which is a germ type typically found on the surface of the skin or in the nose of people, even healthy people. Typically, staphylococcus bacteria do not cause a problem. However, in the right circumstances, the bacteria can lead to issues—from minor infections of the skin to serious infections deep within the body, bloodstream, bones, and organs. It can also be life-threatening if it doesn’t respond to antibiotics. Antibiotic-resistant staph is becoming more common, so it is vital to take steps to prevent staph infection and get proper treatment as soon as possible if it occurs.

For staph infections specific to feet, common causes include:

• Walking barefoot in high-traffic zones like schools, locker rooms, and pool decks
• Suffering from a minor cut, crack, or puncture wound to the skin on the foot
• Conditions like athlete’s foot, ingrown toenails, eczema, corns, and calluses
• Diabetic foot infections

Walking barefoot with any wounds or foot conditions increases one’s chances of developing a staph infection. The wounds serve as a portal for the staphylococcus to enter the foot and body.

How Can You Prevent Staph Infection on Feet?

In the case of a foot staph infection, your foot and ankle surgeon will recommend certain steps to prevent the staph as well as to prevent staph from developing into drug-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also known as MRSA. Prevention steps include:

• Wash and apply a clean bandage to any cut, crack, or puncture on the foot immediately.
• For puncture wounds or if the cut is severe, see a doctor within 24 hours.
• Avoid cutting or digging around an ingrown toenail, which can introduce more bacteria and increase the risk of serious infection.
• Keep feet clean and dry to avoid fungal infections like athlete’s foot. These types of infections can make you more susceptible to developing a staph infection.

What Is the Treatment for a Staph Infection on Your Foot?

If you notice a wound on your foot is becoming swollen, red, or doesn’t seem to be healing, it’s a good idea to seek treatment from a reputable podiatrist. In the case your foot has a staph infection, your doctor may prescribe some of the following treatments:

• Antibiotic prescription—either by mouth or intravenously, depending on the severity of the infection.
• An incision and wound drainage to remove the accumulation of fluid in the wound.
• Surgical removal of dead tissue—this is only in extreme cases in which the infection turns to cellulitis. A surgeon must remove tissue to promote healing.

Get the Best Treatment for Foot Infections and Problems

Whether you are concerned about staph infections of the foot or another foot or ankle-related problem, the experienced Michigan podiatrists at Foot HealthCare and associates are here to help. Connect with us online now to schedule an appointment.