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Just a few more questions!
Started by abcdeb |
Posted: December 20, 2009 at 12:10 | |
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Good morning! I was wondering...I'm so terrified about getting this again. I am taking steps to prevent that, but....if I do get another itchy, pimple bump, is there anything I can do to prevent it from getting infected, or is it too late at that point, because it's already in your system? Is there anything topical (besides washing with Hibiclens and using warm compresses) that I can put on? I had to start antibiotics in TWO days after I got an itchy pimple the last time. It happens so fast!!! I thought I remembered reading somewhere that one of you put on an ointment, and your lesion cleared up (or was I just dreaming??!) Any advice is truly appreciated. Thank you all again! 15848
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Re: Just a few more questions!
Reply #1 by ladyk |
Posted: December 20, 2009 at 18:28 | |
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abcdeb - Good morning and Merry Christmas to you and yours. You're really going to need to put things in perspective to help you get beyond being terrified in order to gain some resemblance of normalcy back in your life. As you know being a teacher... knowledge provides us with necessary tools to assist us in our lives. We are all in search of remedy including Science and Medicine (although at times as patient we do not agree with the pace). The problem with mutations is they are ever mutating… so what worked yesterday controlling staph aureus (grand factor is also host health) may not necessarily work today – as we see with antibiotic therapy and the limited list we have left to control this particular bacteria. Staph aureus has been around from as far back as one can research. Simplistically put when antibiotics came on the scene as the cure all they were able to control this bacteria, but even back then top scientists of the day hit the warning bell concerning mutations. Medicine was beside themselves with elation over the new wonder drugs, and the warnings got swept away due to the successfulness of the new cure all they found in antibiotics. Further studies and new antibiotics/treatments to add to our arsenal didn’t seem a pressing urgency considering mutations, if at all likely this was years away and concerns were back burnered. Whether afflicted with Staph Epidermidis or MRSA, topical protocol is the same. Just remember ‘topical’ is only ½ treatment, and obviously we become acutely aware of this ½ of care because we can 'see' it as it presents in lesions. So to control topical manifestations is not addressing full scope of affliction. In a model example… how can one explain a malady as aggressively destructive, contagious, and opportunistic as staph aureus, when ‘one’ in a family of three becomes severely ill with MRSA contraction, whereas the other two do not test positive as carrier nor present lesions/illness? Above all… (outside of topical contraction) this is an immunity issue. If you do not focus on ‘internal’ care and the support of your immune system… you will have left a door open for not only staph aureus to capitalize on, but other just as difficult and destructive maladies as MRSA. Topical and internal care with a fair understanding of biology are the tools needed to possess in order to protect ourselves from ‘many’ destructive system invaders. To your question: Topically -Topical maintenance will ensure reduction in bacteria over load. -Be ever mindful of your hands, as hands give bacteria the legs they need to infect the multitudes. -Antibiotic ointment if used in early stage can halt lesion progression. Non Antibiotic Lesion Care -Tea Tree Oil dabbed onto 'itchy, pimple bump' often works well. -Turmeric paste to skin anomalies often stops progression. -StaphAseptic ointment has had some favorable results. What are you doing to support your immune system? Best wishes, ladyk 15852
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Re: Just a few more questions!
Reply #2 by Mom in Calif |
Posted: December 20, 2009 at 20:44 | |
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abcdeb: My family has found a few other non-antibiotic ointments or treatments that are helpful, especially after you have worked on your immune system: * Benadryl or homepathics like Sting Stop, which reduce inflammation, making outbreaks less itchy and less painful - do this first and follow up with other products once the redness has gone down - we have found it really makes a difference * silver-based ointments especially those in a petroleum base rather than a water-base (CVS the national drug store chain sells a gel labeled 'ideal for burns'); water-based silver gels (such as from the health food store) evaporate too fast, in our experience, and need to be reapplied very frequently, the vaseline-type ointments last longer * oil of oregano - hard to find, from health food stores; this is MUCH MUCH MUCH stronger than tea tree oil and has to be used with care or it will burn your skin, but will stop a more virulent outbreak in one day Off topic, what did your vet suggest for your pets? Our kitty has no outbreaks but I would love to know what to do about making sure her feet and nails aren't harboring staph. (FYI "Neg coag" MRSA is the most common form of MRSA in Japan, they have far less of our variant, for some reason.) 15854
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Re: Just a few more questions!
Reply #3 by abcdeb |
Posted: December 20, 2009 at 23:29 | |
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Thank you, thank you both! You're right - I need to get a handle on this. I've told my best friends at school, and they think I'm turning into a nut! Washing all the time, doing laundry all the time, checking my skin, wiping everything with Lysol.....you all know! I wonder if I'm TOO clean!!! :) ladyk, I so appreciate how you explain things, so even we who are science-challenged can understand! About my immune system, from what I've learned here, I'm taking a chewable vitamin C, a garlic tablet, and a probiotic every day, in addition to calcium and a multi-vitamin. Mom in Calif, my vet didn't say too much about it. She said it's not the true form of MRSA, and no more dangerous to me than any other skin infection (and I probably gave it to him). We've kept him on the Erithromycin for 10 days and that's it. He does have bad allergies, and we're trying to keep those under control. The other dogs (three) or cats (also three) didn't get it. I just wash the bedding (my bed because they all sleep with me) twice a week and check everybody for lesions. So far, nothing. I'll let you know if they tell me anything else! Probably won't get so many animals in the future, though! I volunteer with rescue organizations and often foster, and then adopt my fosters. Maybe not such a good idea! 15855
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Re: Just a few more questions!
Reply #4 by Nancy R |
Posted: December 21, 2009 at 10:25 | |
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I think that though you intentions are wonderful as far as volunteer work goes, your immune system is probably so challenged that it shouldn't be needlessly exposed to unknown pathogens. I would wait until I've had at least 6 months with no further outbreaks before even considering doing rescue or fostering. I know its hard: I have 3 dogs and 9 parrots, so it's not that I'm anti pet; hardly. I am just pro human. 15861
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Re: Just a few more questions!
Reply #5 by ladyk |
Posted: December 22, 2009 at 19:34 | |
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abcdeb – You’re welcome. What dose Vit C, and garlic do you take daily? I also take Oil of Oregano (capsule) periodically as this stimulates immune health and is known as a highly potent purifier. There are two key compounds found in Oil of Oregano which are carvacrol and thymol. Studies have shown that both of these compounds have significant effects on harmful microorganisms that cause many illnesses in humans. It is important not to confuse Oil of Oregano with common oregano that is used as a spice for cooking. Common oregano is typically Origanum Marjoram, while Oil of Oregano is derived from Origanum Vulgare. Oil of Oregano can be purchased as either a liquid or as capsules/tablets. In both forms, it is important to verify that the oil is derived from the proper potent oregano plant, and that the carvacrol concentration is at least 70%. Research shows us ancient Greeks were one of the first people to recognize Oregano Oil for its health benefits and medicinal qualities. It is known to be a potent antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic oil that can reduce pain and inflammation and effectively fight off infections. Some of the specific benefits of Oil of Oregano are: -Destroying organisms that contribute to skin infections and digestive problems. -Strengthening the immune system. -Increasing joint and muscle flexibility. -Improving respiratory health. Oil of Oregano can be applied directly onto the skin to treat itches, skin infections, but *CAUTION should be taken… only if it has been diluted. Always follow the instructions on your particular bottle before applying topically onto the skin, since highly concentrated oils may first need to be mixed with Olive Oil or Coconut Oil before application (usually one teaspoon of Olive Oil or Coconut Oil per one drop of Oil of Oregano). **Can cause skin tissue burning so use care if applied to skin! Best to do a skin patch test first to be sure you are not sensitive to it. Side Effects of Oil of Oregano While Oil of Oregano has many benefits, there are a few possible side effects: *Oregano oil may reduce the body's ability to absorb iron. Therefore, it is recommended that any ‘regular’ use be combined with regular consumption of iron supplements. For this reason, pregnant women are advised not to take Oil of Oregano regularly. People that have allergies to thyme, basil, mint, or sage may be sensitive to Oil of Oregano as well, since they are in the same family of plants. If any skin irritation, rashes, or vomiting occurs when using it, it is recommended that you discontinue use and consult physician. Because of the issues with iron absorption I limit use to 1 month on - 2 months off. I do this to avoid deficiency. I’m a pet lover too, BUT… you would do best not to let animals sleep on bed with you as they pick up bacteria found in our environment. Mom in Calif - Have you tried Vitamin Shoppe? ladyk 15881
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Re: Just a few more questions!
Reply #6 by abcdeb |
Posted: December 22, 2009 at 21:50 | |
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Thank you again! I'm so grateful to have found this site and that I can benefit from everything that you all know!! I take one 500 mg C every day, and one caplet that says "garlic powder (bulb) not less than 5000 mcg of allicin yield". And I'll look into oil of oregano. Regarding the pets - you all have put into words what my head knew, but my heart didn't want to acknowledge. No more rescues or fosters for a while. I'm still in shock about this. The last lesion before the one in November was 11 months ago, and I didn't freak out at all. In fact, I did absolutely nothing! I can't believe it took almost a year to get another one. And now I'm consumed by this, as you can figure out!!! Is it common to have lesions in the same place? Mom in Calif, I've been thinking about the cats. I might try washing their feet and nails with the Hibiclens (my cats don't go outside), by soaking a wipe or cotton ball. Maybe try one foot first and see if there's a reaction. Thank you all! :) 15883
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Re: Just a few more questions!
Reply #7 by Mom in Calif |
Posted: December 22, 2009 at 23:14 | |
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abcdeb: :) Betadine or witch hazel might be safer for kitties - ? I just don't know about the chemical in Hibiclens, and cats are so sensitive, way more sensitive than dogs. It is mysterious, isn't it - the frequency or even identity of 'outbreaks', once one is aware of staph? For the last couple of years, I have become more sensitive to mosquito and flea bites, and every once in a while one would not heal up. Now I wonder whether it was staph back then, the ordinary kind? The urgent care clinics never bothered to check up, and it didn't occur to me either. 15884
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