Infections and EB Due to constantly having open wounds, those with EB are highly susceptible to getting an infection.
There are 5 main types of infection those with EB get:
Staph
Strep
Pseudomonas
MRSA - (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)
Yeast
(there
are also dozens of other bacterial infection that one can contract, but
these seem to be most common among EB) signs of an infection
~ red or swollen wound, sometimes it will feel hot
~foul odor
~excessive drainage, more than usual.
(Greenish-blue
drainage can indicate a pseudomonas infection. While cloudy or
yellowish drainage can indicate a step or staph infection. )
~a fever
Only a wound culture performed by a doctor can tell you what type of bacteria is causing the infection.
Typically
skin infections are treated with topical antibiotics, such as
Polysporin or Bacitracin. Sometimes a prescription strength topical
antibiotic such as Bactroban is necessary. Only use Bactroban as
prescribed. Over use of it can cause your body to become resistant to
it and it will no longer work when you really need it too. The same
with oral antibiotics. Use those only when necessary so that your body
doesn't become resistant to those as well.
In addition to topical and oral antibiotics, there are other home remedies that you can do to help eliminate the bacteria.
For Pseudomonas Infection, you will want to use an acetic solution and the most common thing to use is Vinegar.
The acetic acid formula is:
Mix 1 ounce of 5% vinegar in 19 ounces water.
Vinegar
baths or compress can be used on any age. Just make sure you rinse
well with clear, clean water after a Vinegar bath, otherwise excess
itching and irritation may occur.
For
a Staph or Strep related infection, (including MRSA) you can take
bleach bath or apply bleach compresses to the infection area to help
kill the bacteria.
Bleach Bath Formula for Adults and Children OVER the age of 1:
Mix 1 teaspoon bleach in 1 gallon water.
For Children and Infants UNDER the age of 1,
Mix 1/2 teaspoon bleach or less to 1 gallon of water.
Mix 1/2 teaspoon bleach or less to 1 gallon of water.
No
matter what age, make sure you rinse well with clear, clean water after a
bleach bath, otherwise excessive itching and irritation may occur. I
have heard that many with EB take bleach or vinegar baths daily to help
keep infections at bay. And found them to be very effective.
NEVER
mix Vinegar and Bleach together in the same bath. A chemical reaction
can occur and produce a toxic fume causing respiratory issues. In
addition, adding other agents such as soap, salt, or bubble bath can
alter the PH levels of the bleach (or vinegar) solution making it less
effective against the bacteria. It's also important to mix the correct
amount of water and bleach (or vinegar) together. Too much water can
dilute the bleach (or vinegar) making it less effective while too much
bleach (or vinegar) can cause stinging upon contact with the open wounds
Unfortunately,
infections tend to be apart of having EB. Prevention in the best
thing, and to recognize an infection quickly so that prompt treatment
can begin.
Suggestions for the entire family when dealing with EB and recurrent infections.
-swab all family members noses with prescription bactraban to help stop the spread between family members. Most people carry the staph bacteria on their skin and in their nose and don't even know it. It usually doesn't cause a problem until it gets into an open wound.
-swab all family members noses with prescription bactraban to help stop the spread between family members. Most people carry the staph bacteria on their skin and in their nose and don't even know it. It usually doesn't cause a problem until it gets into an open wound.
- NEVER share towels, blankets, sheets, etc...
-wash bed liens in hot water daily of the person with an active infection
-wash your hand A LOT
-for
children in school, once they get home from school/day care have them
wash their hands and change their clothes. You wouldn't believe the
kind of bacteria and germs that can come home from school
-change your clothes and wash your hands after you return home from work or a doctors appointment.
-if possible do the same for the person in the family with EB after returning from the doctors or hospital.
-disinfect toys of small children frequently to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Other Tips on Infections:
*if dealing with MRSA, there is a product you can get from your doctor to add to the bath water (and when washing clothing) called chlorhexidine (Hibiclens)to help fight the infection.
*Medical Grade Honey and products with Silver in them also help fight many bacterial infections. It is always best to check with your doctor before trying something new as some over the counter products can interfere with prescription medical (either oral or topical)
Other Tips on Infections:
*if dealing with MRSA, there is a product you can get from your doctor to add to the bath water (and when washing clothing) called chlorhexidine (Hibiclens)to help fight the infection.
*Medical Grade Honey and products with Silver in them also help fight many bacterial infections. It is always best to check with your doctor before trying something new as some over the counter products can interfere with prescription medical (either oral or topical)
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