Can Urgent Care Treat Staph Infection?

Staph infections, caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria, are surprisingly common and can range from mild skin conditions to severe, life-threatening complications. While some cases may be resolved with basic care at home, others require timely medical attention to prevent further health issues. This often leaves individuals wondering if visiting an urgent care facility is essential.

Urgent care centers have become a go-to solution for many non-life-threatening conditions, offering quick and affordable medical attention. But can these facilities effectively treat a staph infection?

In this blog, we’ll explore the types of staph infections urgent care can handle, the treatments available, and when it’s best to consider alternative options like the specialist. Understanding your treatment options could save you time, money, and, most importantly, your health.

What is Staph Infection?

A staph infection is caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, which are commonly found on the skin or in the nose of healthy individuals. While these bacteria are typically harmless, they can cause an infection when they enter the body through a break in the skin, such as a cut, scrape, or wound. Staph infections can range from minor skin irritations to serious, life-threatening conditions if the bacteria spread to deeper tissues, the bloodstream, or internal organs. Early treatment is essential to prevent complications.

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Types of Staph Infection

Staph infections can manifest in a variety of ways, ranging from mild skin conditions to life-threatening diseases. Different types of staph infection includes:

Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

These are the most common types of staph infections and typically occur on the skin. Examples include:

Boils: Painful, pus-filled lumps that develop under the skin, usually around hair follicles or sweat glands.
Cellulitis: Red, swollen, and warm skin that is often tender to the touch. The infection can spread quickly if not treated.
Impetigo: A contagious skin infection common in children, causing red sores that break open and form a yellowish crust.
Styes: Infections of the eyelid, causing painful, swollen lumps at the base of the eyelashes.
Abscesses: Pockets of pus that form when staph bacteria infect deeper skin layers. These may need to be drained by a doctor for effective treatment.

Food Poisoning

Staph bacteria can contaminate food, especially when food is improperly stored or handled. The bacteria release toxins that cause food poisoning. Symptoms generally appear within hours and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Importantly, staph food poisoning doesn’t usually cause fever, which differentiates it from other types of foodborne illnesses.

Bloodstream Infections (Bacteremia)

When staph bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can cause bacteremia, which may lead to more severe complications like sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Symptoms often include fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure. If untreated, bacteremia can spread to internal organs and cause infections like pneumonia or endocarditis (heart infection).

Bone and Joint Infections

Staph bacteria can also affect bones and joints, causing:

Osteomyelitis: An infection of the bone, often due to bacteria entering through a wound or bloodstream. It can cause intense pain, fever, and swelling at the affected area.
Septic Arthritis: This occurs when staph infects a joint, causing swelling, redness, and difficulty moving the joint. Commonly affected joints include the knees, hips, and shoulders.

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Lung Infections (Pneumonia)

Staph pneumonia is a serious infection of the lungs, which can occur after staph bacteria spread from other parts of the body or directly from the skin. Symptoms include cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. Severe cases can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs (pleural effusion) and respiratory failure.

Heart Infections (Endocarditis)

Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, often affecting heart valves. Staph bacteria can cause this condition, leading to symptoms such as fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart murmurs. If untreated, endocarditis can result in serious complications, including organ damage or heart failure.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by toxins released by staph bacteria. Symptoms include sudden high fever, rash, low blood pressure, confusion, and organ failure. TSS is most commonly associated with menstruation (due to the use of tampons) but can also be caused by skin infections, surgical wounds, or burns.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

MRSA is a strain of staph bacteria that has become resistant to many commonly used antibiotics, including methicillin. This makes MRSA infections harder to treat than standard staph infections. MRSA can cause infections on the skin or in deeper tissues and organs. In severe cases, MRSA can lead to pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or surgical wound infections, requiring specialized antibiotics for treatment.

Surgical and Device-Related Infections

Staph infections can also occur in surgical wounds or around medical devices such as pacemakers, catheters, or prosthetic joints. These infections are often difficult to treat and may require the removal of the device. Infections related to surgeries can lead to prolonged hospital stays and the need for extended antibiotic therapy.

Each type of staph infection varies in severity, from mild skin irritations to severe, life-threatening conditions. Prompt treatment is important to prevent complications, and for more serious infections, hospitalization or specialized care may be required.

Symptoms of Staph Infection

Staph infections can manifest through various symptoms, which can be classified into different types based on the location and severity of the infection. Common symptoms include:

Skin Symptoms

These are the most common manifestations of staph infections and include redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, and warmth in the infected area. Pus or drainage from abscesses or boils is also typical, and in some cases, blisters or sores may form, especially in conditions like impetigo.

Systemic Symptoms

These symptoms affect the entire body, often as a response to infection. Fever and chills are common, with the body temperature rising as the immune system fights the infection. Fatigue and general weakness are also prevalent, as the body expends energy to combat the infection.

Pain-Related Symptoms

Staph infections can cause localized pain, particularly when the infection affects deeper tissues like bones or joints. This pain is usually seen in conditions like or septic arthritis, where the infection affects bones and joints, respectively. Chest pain may also occur if the infection spreads to the lungs, causing pneumonia.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

If staph bacteria are ingested, they can cause food poisoning, which leads to nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. However, unlike other foodborne illnesses, staph food poisoning typically doesn’t cause a fever.

Respiratory Symptoms

When staph affects the lungs, it can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing, particularly in pneumonia. Rapid breathing may also occur as the body struggles to obtain enough oxygen.

Sepsis Symptoms

In cases where staph enters the bloodstream, it can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Sepsis is marked by rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, confusion, and disorientation as the body responds to the infection.

Rashes and Skin Issues

A severe form of staph infection, toxic shock syndrome (TSS), can cause a widespread red rash, typically on the palms and soles of the feet. This rash may peel after fading, and TSS can also result in high fever, vomiting, and organ failure.

Heart-Related Symptoms

When staph infects the heart valves, it can cause a heart murmur and symptoms like fatigue, swelling in the legs, pale skin, and a loss of appetite, as seen in endocarditis.

Delayed Healing and Recurrence

Chronic staph infections can result in wounds that don’t heal properly, often remaining red, swollen, and painful. Some strains, like MRSA, are known for recurring, leading to repeated episodes of infection with similar symptoms.

How Urgent Care Treat Staph Infection

Urgent care centers are well-equipped to treat various types of staph infections, particularly common, non-life-threatening conditions like skin infections. These centers offer a convenient and affordable alternative to emergency rooms, delivering prompt care for issues such as boils, abscesses, and impetigo. Below is a detailed overview of how urgent care centers handle staph infections:

Diagnosis

When you visit an urgent care center with a suspected staph infection, the provider will begin by collecting information about your symptoms and medical history. This includes asking about recent injuries, cuts, surgeries, or any contact with someone who may have a staph infection. They will also inquire about underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system, which could increase the risk of infection.

diagnosing the cause of staph infection with a patient's blood

The provider will then conduct a physical examination of the affected area, looking for signs such as redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or abscesses. If the infection is mild, treatment may begin right away. However, if the infection appears more serious or widespread, additional tests may be required.

If MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is suspected, a sample from the infected area, such as pus or drainage, may be taken. This sample will be sent to a laboratory to identify the specific strain of bacteria, which will guide the provider in choosing the appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options

Wound Drainage: For staph infections that cause abscesses or boils (pockets of pus), wound drainage is often necessary. This procedure helps relieve pressure, remove infected material, and prevent the infection from worsening. The healthcare provider will:

Clean the area with antiseptic to prevent further infection.
Make an incision to drain the abscess, reducing swelling and discomfort.
Dress the wound with sterile bandages and provide instructions on follow-up care to ensure proper healing and avoid reinfection.

Use of Antibiotics

Staph infections are typically treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic used depends on the severity of the infection:

Topical antibiotics: For mild conditions such as impetigo or small boils, a topical antibiotic like mupirocin (Bactroban) may be prescribed.
Oral antibiotics: For larger or deeper infections, oral antibiotics such as dicloxacillin, cephalexin, or clindamycin (for MRSA) are commonly used.

If MRSA is identified, stronger antibiotics like vancomycin may be prescribed. The laboratory results will help the provider select the most effective antibiotic, especially if the infection is resistant to typical treatments.

Additionally, if the infection is painful, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation, helping you recover more comfortably.

Also, if the infection occurred due to a wound from a dirty object, such as a rusty nail, a tetanus shot may be administered to prevent tetanus, which could cause serious complications.

Referral to a Hospital or Specialist

While urgent care centers can treat most staph infections, some cases may require referral to a hospital or specialist. Some of these cases may include:

If the infection is rapidly spreading, causing complications like sepsis, or affecting internal organs, the provider may refer you to an emergency room or an infectious disease specialist for more intensive care.
Some abscesses may be too large or complex to treat in an urgent care setting. In such cases, you may be referred to a surgeon or hospital for further treatment.
Systemic Infections: If the infection spreads to the bloodstream (sepsis), symptoms like fever, confusion, and rapid heartbeat may suggest a more severe condition requiring emergency care.

For individuals who experience repeated staph infections, a referral to an infectious disease specialist may be necessary to investigate underlying causes, such as a weakened immune system or improper use of antibiotics.

When to Choose Urgent Care for Treatment of Staph Infection

You should choose urgent care for a staph infection if:

The infection is mild to moderate

If you have a common staph infection like a skin abscess, boil, or impetigo (a superficial skin infection), urgent care centers can provide the appropriate treatment, including wound drainage, antibiotics, and pain management.

a lady meeting a health care provider for the treatment of staph infections

No signs of severe complications

If the infection has not spread to other parts of the body and you do not have symptoms like high fever, confusion, or difficulty breathing, urgent care is a good option. It’s ideal for non-life-threatening infections that are localized to the skin.

You need quick treatment

If you need immediate attention for a mild to moderate staph infection and you can’t see your primary doctor right away, urgent care is a convenient and timely option.

You suspect MRSA

If you suspect the infection might be caused by MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), urgent care can help identify it and provide the appropriate treatment, including stronger antibiotics if necessary.

However, if the infection shows signs of spreading, involves deep tissue or internal organs, or you are experiencing symptoms of sepsis (such as fever, rapid heart rate, or confusion), you should go to the emergency room instead.

Prevention of Staph Infection

To prevent staph infection, the following procedures must be adhered:

Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
Keep cuts, scrapes, and wounds clean and covered with sterile bandages.
Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or clothing.
Disinfect shared surfaces and equipment, especially in gyms or sports settings.
Maintain healthy skin by moisturizing and showering promptly after physical activities.
Complete prescribed antibiotics courses and avoid unnecessary antibiotic use to reduce resistance.

Conclusion

Staph infections are a significant health concern, but with the right precautions, they can be managed and prevented. While urgent care centers can treat many common, non-life-threatening cases, it’s essential to recognize when more serious infections require a hospital or specialist’s attention. Prevention plays a crucial role, and practices such as maintaining good hygiene, properly caring for wounds, and avoiding sharing personal items can drastically reduce the risk of contracting a staph infection. By being proactive in both prevention and treatment, individuals can minimize the impact of staph infections and promote better overall health.

ByBlessing Ezenwa