Antibiotic resistance has always been a concern in medicine. During my medical training it was always reinforced that many common infections are viral, and do not require or respond to antibiotics. Doctors are taught to be very careful to prescribe and use antibiotics only when they are truly needed. Underlying this caution was the worry that bacteria would mutate so that antibiotics would not work anymore. Little did I know at the time that this problem would become so serious so soon. On a weekly basis I am now seeing infections that are resistant to many antibiotics.

Specifically, I have been seeing a lot of resistance with skin infections. Everyone has bacteria on his or her body. One of these bacteria is called Staphylococcus or “staph.” Our skin is an excellent barrier to infection, so these bacteria do not bother us too much. Even when there is a break in the skin from a scratch or an insect bite, a healthy immune system has a way of fighting off most of these infections.

Lately, however, the bacteria seem to be winning more battles. Apparently this Staphylococcus bacteria has developed a different structure so that it is resistant to many common antibiotics. This new bacteria has been labeled Methicillin-Resistant Staph Aureas, or MRSA, and its dangers are getting headlines across the country.

In the past, patients would get a simple pimple or pustule on their skin and these minor infections would resolve without treatment or with basic antibiotics. Lately, these infections are developing into larger, inflamed abscesses filled with pus that become very tender and painful. The body’s immune system is having a harder time controlling the infection, and the bacteria are now unresponsive to the usual antibiotics. These infections can become quite serious and sometimes even life-threatening. Frequently I have to hospitalize patients with severe infections for stronger intravenous antibiotics and surgical intervention.

Unfortunately, these resistant bacteria live throughout our community. They can be passed back and forth by simple contact with other people. Many people are “colonized” with this resistant strain, and have it living on their skin and in their nasal passages. Those of us who are colonized can try to eradicate it using special body washes and antibacterial ointments as suggested by a physician.

If identified and treated early, we can drain these sores and allow better healing. We can also often get a sample of the bacteria to the lab for a culture and find out which antibiotics will work best for that particular infection and treat it appropriately.
If you or any of your family members have had problems with recurrent abscesses or boils, be sure to mention this to your doctor at your next visit. I advise all of my patients who develop a skin abscess to seek medical attention immediately. With proper treatment, and more community awareness, we can still contain these infections.