Staph infection: Types, symptoms, causes, treatments - Medical News Today
Staphylococcus bacteria cause staph infections. There are many types of staph infections, and, depending on the cause, doctors may use antibiotics, surgery, or other methods to treat them. Most staph infections clear up quickly with treatment, but people with a weakened immune system are at higher risk and may take longer to recover. A staph infection is an infection with the bacteria Staphylococcus , which people often refer to by the abbreviation "staph." There are more than 30 types of Staphylococcus bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus , which lives on the skin and in the nose of some people, is responsible for most infections. These bacteria are usually harmless, but if they enter the body through a wound, scrape, or cut, they can cause infection and serious illness. This article examines the causes, types, symptoms, and treatment of staph infections. It also discusses the risk factors and the recovery time for people with these infections. Approximately 1 in 4 people carry ...