Archive for April 9, 2009

One of the many confusions of life that make life itself a grand confusion is the Staph infection acne, causing confusion, at least for the layperson. The reason for this confusion is that by the looks of it, Staph infection appears no different from the commonly prevalent acne.  But as it is common, appearances are deceptive. These are two distinctly different skin conditions having almost same appearances. So actually it is Staph infection and acne and not Staph infection acne. It is not another type of acne, but actually a totally different disease having almost same symptoms as acne.

In normal cases, acne, like teen acne, subsides within days, whereas Staph infection lingers on till proper medical treatment is sought. Untreated it could become a very serious health problem warranting even hospitalization.

Staph infection results from the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which is normally present on our skin and does not affect us.  However, if it gains entry inside our body, then it really affects us badly. The usual entry point for this type of bacteria is a cut on the skin. Then the bacteria easily gain entry in our blood stream. Then if it infects our skin it results in pimples and acne-like boils, and sometimes body acne. Only the doctor can treat these infections effectively.

The other very interesting entry point for the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is the acne itself when we ourselves choose to squeeze or break it, or the acne break is accidental. Then also the bacteria enter our blood stream. In such cases, the infection will lead to worse acne. Neglecting such a condition could prove hazardous.

Isn’t this an interesting situation? Acne and Staph infection are look-alikes, having totally different causes, yet the two some times intertwine as cause and effect as described above.