Good morning. My name is Abdullah. I work as a medical consultant who assists doctors and healthcare workers in many factors such as the confidentiality of patients' information. I also collect and analyze data in order to come up with recommendations to my patients. Moreover, I tend to brainstorm ideas to enhance the hospital's performance. How can I help you?
Good morning. My name is Jack, and I'm 20 years old. I need your help regarding this skin infection. First, it appeared under my arm and then on my eyelid as well. I want to know if it is contagious and if it is a severe disease.
During the weekend, I visited the park twice. I also went to the stadium to watch the final football match between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Additionally, I borrowed my brother's razor to shave my beard.
First of all, what activities did you do in the last ten days? Have you been exposed to a crowded place lately? Did you share any personal items with your family or friends?
Well, this disease is called Staphylococcus which is caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Its incubation period is between 4-10 days. It is contagious and can be transmitted directly through person-person contact or indirectly if you touch contaminated items or surfaces such as taps and door knobs in case you have an open wound or a scrape. Since you were in two crowded places, you most probably caught it through skin-skin contact, or even from a contaminated doorknob or tap if you used the bathroom. Also, you might have caught it indirectly from your brother's contaminated razor if he is infected. By the way, if your brother is not infected, you should warn him that he must not use his razor that you borrowed since it is contaminated now.
Oh!
Well, under my arm, there is a swollen, red, painful lump. It started six days ago. Also, yesterday, my eyelid became sore and red. It is so painful.
The infection under your arm is mild and called a boil which occurs due to an infected hair follicle. When the lump fills with pups, it grows larger and becomes more painful until it ruptures and drains; however, if more boils clustered in the same area, they will form a carbuncle which will cause fever and illness. The infection in your eye is called a stye, and it was transmitted from touching the infected skin under your arm and then touching your eyes.
May you tell me more about your symptoms, and when did they appear?
First of all, you have to know that getting medical care early prevents the infection from becoming severe. You must see a doctor to have a laboratory test to know if this infection is due to staphylococcus or another bacteria. Until you get this medical care, you have to cover the infected skin with a clean bandage. Put a heating pad on the skin for 20 minutes, or soak the infected area in warm water. Take painkillers if needed. Apply antibiotic ointment if recommended by the doctor. A boil usually takes 10 to 20 days to heal without treatment, whereas with treatment, it takes less time. As for your stye, use warm compress over the eye. Usually a stye will need a topical antibiotic, which the doctor will prescribe it for you.
Well, what is the treatment for this infection?
Sure, I will inform him. Thank you, Abdullah.
How can I prevent myself from this disease?
You must wash your hand thoroughly and frequently and take a shower everyday. In order for your infection not to spread to other areas in your body, you must keep the infected skin covered whenever possible and avoid touching directly the infected skin. Use disposal towels to clean and dry the infected area, or use the towel once and wash it with hot water. As a responsible citizen, you should prevent an outbreak in the community. To do so, avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors. Also, keep your cuts and wounds clean and covered with bandages until they heal. Wash clothes, towels, and bed linens in hot water. Finally, contact the doctor as soon as possible if the infection becomes worse or spreads among your family. You must follow the doctor's instructions about the proper care for the wound. Pus from infected area can contain MRSA. By the way, inform your brother to visit a doctor.
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