Question 1

is an untreated staph infection dangerous? i read they usually go away on their own, but not always. how long is safe to wait before going to the doctor? its just a boil, but ive had it for a week now.

Accepted Answer

Yes, : Yes, an untreated staph infection can be dangerous.  Staph aureus is a bacteria that live on our skin, but if it is driven under the surface of the skin (by a cut or injury, sometimes when we don't even remember an injury), and then the bacteria multiply and cause an infection.  A "boil" typically has purulence (pus) in it, and if untreated this can lead to worsening infection that can spread.  Sign of spreading is increasing pain, increasing redness, red streaks from the area, fever, and feeling "flu-like" with aches, nausea, or vomiting.  I would urge you to have this boil evaluated.

Question 2

how long can an elderly person with an untreated case of a staph infection live?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Depends on what kind of staph, where the site of infection is, whether bacteria is present in blood, where the bacteria was acquired, and the patients comirbid conditions.

Question 3

does staph infection itch?

Accepted Answer

It may: Itching is a subliminal form of pain and may be due to inflammation of many sources, and that could include infection.

Question 4

can staph infection be airborne?

Accepted Answer

Staph Infections: Staph, or staphylococcus, is a family of bacteria that is very virulent, contagious, and even possibly infectious. What makes staph so dangerous is that it is very resistant to antibiotics. Though staph is not generally considered an air-borne disease, there is some debate that mrsa, thought it usually is spread through contact with open sores, can remain viable on dry counters.

Question 5

what is a light staph infection?

Accepted Answer

Staph aureus: Not sure what is referred to as "light staph infection", but perhaps just skin lesions (boils). This organism has the potential to produce severe devastating life-threatening infection and should never be taken lightly.

Question 6

how do you get a staph infection?

Accepted Answer

Staph infections.: Staphylococcus lives in our skin and nostrils. Any minor wound in the skin may cause it.Some pts are immunocompromised and present  frequent staph infections. Staph may travel through the blood or by continuity to other parts like bone, the heart valves.

Question 7

what is secondary staph infection?

Accepted Answer

Staph Infection: Staphylococcal bacteria commonly inhabit the skin and interior of the nose. Microscopic or visible breaks in the surface barrier of the body--the skin and mucous membranes--provide an opportunity for these bacteria to cause localized infections. Complications arise when the staph bacteria spread beyond the initial site of infection to the bloodstream and interior body tissues.

Question 8

how can a staph infection be cured?

Accepted Answer

With antibiotics : Staph is a bacteria and can be killed by antibiotics and cleaning of the pus.

Question 9

how to cure a staph infection asap!?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics: See your doctor and if it is a staph infection you will need antibiotics to cure it.

Question 10

what does staph infection look like?

Accepted Answer

Many shapes: Skin infections with staph can take many shapes. It could be flat redness or a pus filled boil or just a red bump.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Untreated staph infection

A member asked:

Is an untreated staph infection dangerous? i read they usually go away on their own, but not always. how long is safe to wait before going to the doctor? its just a boil, but ive had it for a week now.

A member asked:

How long can an elderly person with an untreated case of a staph infection live?

A member asked:

Does staph infection itch?

A member asked:

Can staph infection be airborne?

A member asked:

What is a light staph infection?

A member asked:

How do you get a staph infection?

A member asked:

What is secondary staph infection?

A member asked:

How can a staph infection be cured?

A member asked:

How to cure a staph infection asap!?

A member asked:

What does staph infection look like?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?