General measures for recurrent staphylococcal skin infection

Skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus may recur. Treat acute infection (eg boils and carbuncles, folliculitis, impetigo) and examine for and treat skin conditions (eg eczema) that can promote ongoing S. aureus colonisation.

For patients with recurrent staphylococcal skin infections, address management of modifiable risk factors, including smoking and suboptimally managed diabetes. Advise patients on general measures to reduce recurrent skin infectionsHogan, 2021; see Patient information: Advice for reducing recurrent skin infections for a printable patient handout.
Figure 1. Patient information: Advice for reducing recurrent skin infections.

Printable figure

Ayre, 2023

The advice below can help reduce recurrent skin infections.

  • Cover open wounds.
  • Have daily baths or showers using liquid soap.
  • Wash hands with liquid soap or alcohol-based hand washes.
  • Do not share personal hygiene items (eg razors, roll-on deodorants, brushes and towels).
  • Replace lotions and creams with pump or pour bottles.
  • Wash bed sheets weekly in hot water.
  • Wash towels in hot water after each use.