I was checking my email and came across a couple of stories on the newsfeed. The common theme of the titles read “Buccaneers Staph Infections…” As I read this article, I realized that these football players experienced something that is quite common. Each condition started harmless – Bucs guard Carl Nicks had a blister on his foot and kicker Lawrence Tynes had an ingrown toenail. They were a result of injuries to their toes. As time progressed, they morphed into a staph infection resistant to antibiotics known as MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). At this current time, both players have been placed on antibiotics with Tynes receiving IV (intravenous) antibiotics.
At some time or another we have all had some scrapes, ingrown toenails, stubbed toes and blisters. Never had we imagine that these ‘simple’ common injuries could develop into life threatening illness. You may know someone who had a MRSA infection or may have experienced it yourself. MRSA is typically a skin infection caused by the bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, which is resistant to certain antibiotics. This resistance makes it harder to treat thus making it dangerous. Certain groups of people are more susceptible to this infection, this may include:
• People with weakened immune system (ex.HIV/AIDS, cancer) • Diabetics • Young children • Athletes • College students living in dormitories • Health care facility workers • The elderly
MRSA is contracted by being in close contact with an already infected person, contaminated surface, object, body fluid etc. Ways to avoid contact is hand washing and sanitizing surfaces with disinfectants and/or rubbing alcohol. Do not share personal hygiene items such as razors and towels. Certain conditions and/or circumstance such as after having surgery, ulcers, blisters, ingrown toenails etc can develop into MRSA infection. Your 1Foot2Foot team, working as a team with other medical professionals, is available and capable to provide optimal care.
