cellulite as seen on the doctors

Staphylococcus aureus: This bacterium, often called Staph, is one of the most common causes of skin infections. It is a double sphere shaped bacteria. Staph is one of the most common causes of skin infections. It is differentiated by a coagulation test. They place the bacteria in a test tube with liquid gelatin then place it in a refrigerator overnight. The next morning they take the test tube and turn it upside down. Staph aureus allows coagulation and will not pour out of the test tube. Staph epidermis does not allow coagulation.

Staph is found on the skin or in noses of healthy individuals. This is normal colonization. Most staph infections are minor-appearing as reddened pimples, boils, or minor skin infections. Staph can cause more serious infections like surgical infections and pneumonia that require special antibiotics for treatment.

MRSA: This is a type of Staph germ that is difficult to treat with most antibiotic medicines. These antibiotics usually kill staph–Methicillin, (a synthetic Penicillin). MRSA has developed resistance to kill the germ. It can be hard to treat and can lead to life-threatening blood or bone infections. Physically it is the same bacterial double sphere shape as regular staph. MRSA can be misdiagnosed as a spider or insect bite (no insect seen). Symptoms include redness, tissue warmth, swelling, pus, skin tenderness, painful pimples, or blisters.

MRSA-infected skin can change from skin or surface irritations to abscesses. This germ can infect the blood, bones, tendons, skin and all surrounding tissue. MRSA Growth and Testing· It multiplies on and in the skin. It can survive on objects and surfaces for more than 24 hours. Pus from skin sores can spread to other body parts or to other people. Infections can be found in crowds of people such as schools, gyms, teams and jails. MRSA is usually spread by physical direct contact of the skin secretions with bacteria or pus. It is spread through towels, keys, sheets, and work areas that have the germ on them.

A culture swab of the wound is sent to a laboratory to grow the bacteria. The growing bacteria are tested to see which antibiotics are effective to kill the infection. If the cultured staph aureus germs cannot be killed with standard antibiotics, including methicillin, then the infection is classified as MRSA.

Treatment of MRSA: These infections can be treated by draining the abscess or boil. Only physicians should drain sores with great care and covered dressings. Always keep the draining sores covered to prevent others from getting sick. MRSA infections are treatable with several antibiotics for days or weeks. Keep hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water and use a new or disposable towel. Wounds need to be kept clean and covered with a dressing until they are completely healed. Avoid direct contact with other people, especially if symptomatic. Do not share razors, towels, toothbrush, clothing, coins, and eye makeup that directly touch your body. Clean and disinfect all objects before and after you touch them very carefully. Wash clothes and linens twice with water above 135º F and detergents. Use a hot air dryer rather than air-drying–they help in the killing of bacteria. Add 1 cap liquid bleach to wash water and wash clothes twice. Use a household spray liberally that is known to kill germs (printed on the can).

J. Drew Laurusonis, M.D.

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Red circle mark on my outer thigh and pimple like marks on my buttocks- what could this possible be?

Last year I was putting on cellulite gel stuff- which by the way was a waste of time- and felt a sting. I looked to see what it was and saw a red circle on my outer thigh. I had no idea where that came from. I also had pimples on my buttocks. A few days later I had a cold but it went away soon- had a very small case of diarrhea. I think I got it at work- I used to work at a nursing home. The mark just looked faded now since last April. But could it have possible been some type of skin infection? It lasted for many weeks- I didn’t go to the doctor because I was embarrassed. The guy I had been seeing said he never experienced anything like that on him. Did I catch it from him or from someone? Thanks!

Could it be a ring worm? Easy to get playing with dogs, sharing toilet seats and showers. Just go to the chemist and ask them for a ring worm treatment. They won’t even bat an eyelid at you – they get it all the time – but you can always say it’s for nan or your kid or something. The pimples are probably just sweat pimples. I find when I use any kind of creme regularly, whether it be anti-cellulite or moisturiser I am much more prone to little sweat pimples because the skin is oilier and does not breathe as easily under it’s moisture coating.