What Is A Staph Infection?
A staph infection is a bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. There are more than 30 varieties of Staphylococcus bacteria, but the one most commonly causes infection is Staphylococcus aureus [1]. These bacteria are quite common in the environment and can produce a range of skin infections, including cellulitis, boils, impetigo, folliculitis, and scalded skin syndrome [2].
Staph bacteria can also cause even more severe infections, including bacteremia (a bloodstream infection), bone infections, endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, food poisoning, pneumonia, and toxic shock syndrome (TSS)—a life-threatening condition produced by toxins excreted by certain species of bacteria.
Causes Of A Staph Infection
Staphylococcus infections are common as people often carry Staphylococcus on their skin or nasal cavities without developing an infection. The bacteria can cause disease when it enters the body through a cut or wound [1]. Bacteria can spread from person to person and onto objects such as towels, clothing, door handles, athletic equipment and remote controls [1].
Certain factors can increase your chances of developing a Staphylococcus infection.
These include:
- Eating food that’s not adequately prepared
- Working in food preparation without taking adequate safety precautions
- Playing contact sports
- Having a weakened immune system
- Having cancer
- Being treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Being treated with dialysis for kidney failure
- Living with HIV
- Having insulin-dependent diabetes[3].
What Is A Spider Bite?
A spider bite results from an injury caused by a spider bite. Most spider bites are benign. Often, the spider feels threatened because it is being crushed between skin and another object, such as when grasping [4]. Some spiders, like the widow and false widow spiders, recluse spiders, Australian funnel web spiders, and Phoneutria spiders, can deliver a medically significant bite [4].
One subacute outcome of a spider bite is the construction of an immediate wheal or other skin bump, such as a papule (localised nub) or pustule. Sometimes, systemic symptoms follow envenoming, as with widow, funnel web, Phoneutria, and, less commonly, recluse spiders [4].
Risk Factors Of A Spider Bite
Spider bites occur in certain circumstances, including startling a spider, rolling on one in bed, standing on one, or swiping at it with a hand. There have been various reports of spiders trying to protect young, self-sacrificing mothers and even biting in self-defence [5].
Hiking, camping, other outdoor activities, and working outside can also expose you to the risk of a spider bite. People who disturb items or places that haven’t been disturbed in a while, including a log pile or attic, are especially at risk [6].
Failure to wear protective clothing while gardening or hiking may cause a spider to bite you. Failure to shake out (or otherwise inspect) clothing, shoes, boots and equipment (stored in sheds and outhouses) before using may encourage a spider to bite you [6].
Similarities and Differences Between Staph Infection And A Spider Bite
Staph infections and spider bites can be difficult to distinguish due to their similar outsets. Each usually starts as a small red bump on the skin, sometimes raised, hot, sore, and filled with fluid or pus [7].
Similarities
Staph infections and spider bites cause redness, swelling, pain or tenderness at the injury site [7] and can develop into more extensive wounds if not appropriately treated [7].
Differences
Despite these similarities, there are several caveats. The aetiology is different. Staph infections are caused by Staphylococcus bacteria that can be acquired from any wound, including a spider bite [7]. On the other hand, spider bites are bites from spiders and are rare [7].
The second is how the fluid drains from the wound. Spider bites usually drain clear fluid, whereas pus from staph infections—particularly MRSA infections—usually drains pus [7].
Moreover, MRSA infections tend to spread from where they started, to the skin at the edge of the infection, to other parts of the body, or into your blood and bones. That generally doesn’t happen with spider bites [7].
Finally, the treatment of these differences may differ. A spider bite has a high propensity to heal spontaneously and may only require a cold package, topical antihistamine or analgesic support, and careful hygiene. On the other hand, wounds with MRSA infections require powerful antibiotics because the bug has become resistant to the main antibiotics in use [7].