A third Tampa Bay Buccaneer has been diagnosed with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and guard Carl Nicks has relapsed. Local dermatologist Dr. Seth Forman, who is not involved with the cases, says in cases involving a highly contagious infection like MRSA, precautions should be taken to protect the safety of players and spread of the disease.
“MRSA often spreads through skin-to-skin contact and cuts,” says Dr. Forman, the Tampa dermatologist. “So in a high-contact sport, like football, MRSA can spread easily from one person to another.”
According to the Center for Disease Control and prevention, less than 2 percent of the population carries the MRSA version of staph infection. The skin infection usually starts as small red bumps that look like pimples or spider bites, but the bumps can turn into deep and painful abscesses that may lead to surgery.
In terms of treatment, MRSA does respond to specific antibiotics, but in some cases, they are not always necessary. Sometimes, doctors will turn to draining the accesses if it’s not too deep in the skin.
While proper treatment of MRSA is important, Forman urges that preventative measures are just as important due to the highly contagious nature of the infection. The Tampa dermatologist advises those who may come in contact with those affected by MRSA to wash their hands frequently, to carry hand sanitizer, and to shower after any sporting games or practices.
“In places where towels are being shared, like a locker room, it is vital to sanitize towels in the hottest water setting and to add bleach if possible,” says Forman. “Wounds should also stay covered until they are healed in order to keep the bacteria from spreading.”
Forman also encourages individuals to not share their personal items, such as razors, towels and athletic equipment.
For more information on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), please visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/mrsa/index.html.
For more on Dr. Seth Forman, Tampa dermatology or Forman Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute, please visit www.FormanDerm.com.
About Dr. Seth Forman: Dr. Forman is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Tampa, Florida. He was voted the “Best Dermatologist in Carrollwood” in 2011 and 2012 by the Carrollwood News and Tribune as well as the 2013 “Best Dermatologist in North Tampa” by the Tampa Tribune. In December 2011, he opened his new Tampa dermatology office, Forman Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute, where he gives psoriasis sufferers access to the latest treatment options, including topical and oral medications, as well as biological and phototherapy. Dr. Forman is one of the few Tampa dermatologists to offer narrowband light therapy, which uses pharmaceutical grade light to suppress psoriasis. He’s also one of the few board-certified dermatologists in the U.S. to use the SRT-100 radiotherapy to treat basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer.
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SOURCE: Forman Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute
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