MRSA and Staph Traditional Treatments: A Western Medicine Approach on How to Treat MRSA and Staph Infections

Below are summaries of many of the Traditional Western Medicine approaches that are currently available to treat MRSA and Staph infections. This summary discusses the basic nature and important considerations of each individual MRSA treatment method. And note, the antibiotics for Staph treatment do not always work for MRSA. MRSA is a more antibiotic resistant form of the Staph bacteria.

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Antibiotics if used wisely and prescribed properly can be a necessary part, and sometimes a life-saving aspect of MRSA and Staph infection treatment. It is my wish to impart upon you a more thorough knowledge of the pros and cons of each type of treatment, and that in my opinion (and that of many professionals), antibiotics should only be used for more urgent or life-threatening situations. As you'll read below, the overuse of antibiotics is one reason why antibiotic resistant bacteria like MRSA have come into being.

Also, be sure to educate yourself on the many natural antibiotics that Staph and MRSA are not resistant to. An informed person is an empowered person, more able to control their health and achieve long-term success with their infection. Click here to learn more on Mainstream and Alternative Staph treatments comparison.

Please note: I am a Microbiologist and Scientist. I am NOT a doctor or health care professional. The commentaries below are based upon my personal research, sometimes my own personal use, historical data, and other people’s positive experiences with MRSA or Staph infections. The list of methods below is by no means complete.

Warning: If you are pregnant, or if you have any questions regarding the use of any method for handling MRSA or Staph infections or any other medical condition (for you or someone else), or for details on precautions you should take, do your own research and speak with a qualified health care practitioner.

How to Treat MRSA using Western Medicine or Mainstream Healthcare Approaches:

Western Medicine Treatment Approaches:

• Antibiotics - Antibiotics are drug products that stop or inhibit the growth of bacteria and are often prescribed for the treatment of MRSA and Staph infections. They were first synthesized in the 1930's and have been used extensively since then. There are many different classes and types of antibiotics that work in different ways, have different characteristics and have limitations on how they can be used. "Broad spectrum" antibiotics work against many different kinds of bacteria whereas "narrow spectrum" antibiotics only work against certain specific organisms.
  
  

  Staphylococcus aureus under scanning electron microscope. Photo Credit: CDC/ Matthew J. Arduino, DRPH, Janice Haney Carr

  Antibiotics can be taken orally, topically or intravenously (IV), depending on the type of antibiotic. If the correct antibiotic is prescribed, infection relief can occur very quickly. However, misdiagnosis and improper use of antibiotics are common with MRSA, Staph and other infections. The correct antibiotic is often determined based on the experience of the doctor or by trial and error. The most accurate way to prescribe an antibiotic uses a microbial susceptibility test to identify the best antibiotic for a particular person’s infection. The type, location and severity of infection along with factors such as pregnancy, drug allergies, or health risks must also be taken into account when selecting an antibiotic. Antibiotics for Staph treatment include but are not limited to tetracyclines, sulfa drugs and clindamycin. Bactrim, Vancocin (vancomycin) and Xyvox (linezolid) are commonly used for MRSA infections. However, resistance to Vancomycin has been reported and it's known as VRSA (Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
  
  The Misuse and Overuse of Antibiotics: The overuse of antibiotics over many years has resulted in the ever growing population of antibiotic resistant bacteria, such as MRSA. Antibiotics have become less and less effective with each passing year. Such misuse has been created by doctors prescribing antibiotics for colds which are caused by viruses, not bacteria. The commercial livestock industry has overused antibiotics which are commonly used to fatten cattle so they can go to market quicker. These two factors have greatly contributed to antimicrobial resistance in bacteria like Staph.
  
  Statistics are now showing that using antibiotics for treating a Staph infection can double your chances of getting MRSA. I'm not saying this as a scare tactic, but I want to inform you of the risks involved with antibiotics. While they are often necessary and lifesaving, I believe they should be used with prudence. Antibiotics have a history of being misused and over-used which has contributed largely to antibiotic resistant bacteria like MRSA, VRSA and others. I would consider alternative approaches in conjunction with antibiotic treatment if an infection is not serious or life-threatening. If the infection is serious or life-threatening, I would look at using these other approaches in conjunction with antibiotic treatment. Talk with your Medical Doctor, Infectious Disease Doctor or ideally Alternative Medicine Doctor about using antibiotics as a "backup" option if at all possible.
  
  Click the blue link to learn more about Natural approaches to MRSA and Staph. Click the blue link to learn about integrating Traditional Medicine with Alternative Medicine.
  
  Antibiotic Side Effects: Most antibiotic drugs have significant negative side effects, which can include: diarrhea, hives, yeast infections, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, depressed white blood cell counts (immune cells), rashes, and more. Consult your physician if you are pregnant or breast feeding as some antibiotics have adverse effects on the developing fetus, and infants. Parents should be especially cautious using antibiotics on children as I believe they can, especially with overuse, contribute to many other chronic illnesses. Why? Antibiotics will kill off many of the "good" or friendly bacteria inside the intestines along with the "bad" bacteria of the infection. This disruption of the natural bacteria balance in the body can cause intestinal problems but importantly, they also weaken the body’s immune system, thus increasing the chances of getting re-infected later.

• Warm Compresses - Warm compresses are often used to bring a boil or abscess to a head and allow it to drain on its own. A washcloth wetted with hot water can be laid over the boil over several days to achieve this. Topical antimicrobials are often used with the warm compress for the treatment of MRSA and Staph.

• Incision and Drainage - Boils and abscesses are often incised or lanced by a doctor and drained to reduce pain and to decrease the number of bacteria in the infected area. The procedure consists of treating the skin with a topical antiseptic followed by puncturing or opening the skin with a sterile instrument thus allowing the pus to drain out. Lancing and draining must be done by a health care professional due to the very high risk of spreading the MRSA internally to your blood stream, to other parts of the body or to other people. Secondary infections and other complicating problems can occur if the procedure is not done properly.

• Topical Antimicrobial creams and ointments - Topical products containing antimicrobial agents are often used to manage MRSA infections and Staph infections of the skin. These antimicrobial agents typically kill the bacteria or prevent them from growing. Some commonly used topical antimicrobials include Iodine and Chlorhexidine (Hibiclens). Antibiotics such as Bactroban (mupirocin) are often used in topical antimicrobial products as well. Topical antimicrobials are typically spread or sprayed into a skin infection.
  
  Side Effects: Bactroban should not be used if you are breastfeeding. Topical antimicrobial Chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) is a synthetic antimicrobial to which some people can acquire skin sensitivity. Studies also show that MRSA may become resistant to chlorhexidine over time. Topical antimicrobials likely upset the balance of "good" bacteria on the skin (normal skin flora) which protect your body from infection. This can increase the risk of re-infection. This is also a harsh product on your skin which can cause dry, cracked skin - an optimal entry for MRSA or Staph to cause infection. Again, as with any antimicrobial, fungal overgrowth in the body can occur with use.

• Antimicrobial Baths - Bathing in water containing an antimicrobial agent or disinfectant is sometimes recommended by doctors for treating MRSA skin infections. Commonly prescribed bath additives are chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) and bleach (Clorox). Bleach baths may be less effective at killing MRSA than normal Staph bacteria and antibiotic resistance is a growing concern for chlorhexidine.
  
  Side Effects: Bleach can be harsh and sensitizing to the skin, especially with repeated use. Chlorhexidine should not be used if you are pregnant or breast feeding. The skin has a very large surface area and readily absorbs bath additives into the body. Therefore, the effects of absorbing synthetic antimicrobial agents and harsh chemicals on the body’s immune system should be considered. Additionally, these harsh chemicals often cause skin sensitivity, and dry, cracked skin. Your skin is your first line of defense against Staph and MRSA bacteria. Bacteria can penetrate cracked skin much easier.

After reading Chapters 3 and 6 in MRSA Secrets Revealed, you'll know about all about Traditional approaches to MRSA and Staph and all of the Alternative approaches including how to put into practice the simple and life-changing steps to eliminating your infection for good.

Learn more about Mainstream and Alternative treatments comparision.

Learn more about MRSA Natural remedies.

 

Are you frustrated with your current MRSA or Staph treatment? Are you worried about recurring infections? MRSA and Staph are serious and potentially life-threatening infections. Fortunately, there are simple actions you can take to turn your infection around, so long as you know what critical mistakes not to make. We'll walk you through the steps to becoming infection-free and worry-free so you can feel better faster, protect your family, and avoid recurring infections. Written by Microbiologist and Staph Researcher Michelle Moore, the book MRSA Secrets Revealed is an up-to-date resource on how to overcome Staph and MRSA. With extensive experience in both the Pharmaceutical Industry and the Natural Health arena, Michelle has created a balanced approach that has helped thousands of people in understanding and overcoming their infections. Get your copy of this comprehensive resource now by clicking on the blue button below.