Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

More Suseptable To Catching Staph?

SarahTorg

By SarahTorg
in Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Recommended Posts

SarahTorg Apprentice
SarahTorg
Posted

Should I be afraid to go to someone house where they have a staph infection?

the person is on antibiotics now, and the sore is almost healed. But I am afraid of catching staph from just being in a home where someone has it.

this person isn't the greatest with making sure she washes her hands, and I'd be very paranoid the whole time.

I know sometimes I scratch my skin. Well, I'm itchy still sometimes, and will accidently scratch an almost healed spot off of myself. Couldn't I easily catch staph then?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


gf4life Enthusiast
gf4life
Posted

My husband currently has a staph infection on his forearm, and is on antibiotics. Here is how we keep the rest of the family from getting it. First off I have to say that I am more likely to get it than not. I am prone to getting skin infections and so I am more than nervous when he gets one!

He is sleeping on the futon bed in another room, he keeps the infection covered with a guaze pad at all times, excpet when showering. He is the only one allowed to use that shower, and no one uses his towel afterwards either, it goes straight in the wash. He washes his hands religiously and generously uses hand sanitizer, and antibacterial soap. Even his dirty clothes are separated. I am the only one putting the clothes in the wash and then I scrub my hands afterwards. He takes the trash out immediately after cleaning the wound and tossing his infected trash in the basket (which is also lined with a plastic bag). I feel our house is very sanitary in this aspect.

Now if your friend is not very sanitary and you have open sores, or scratch and might break the skin, then you might want to think twice before going over there. Bacteria are very easy to pick up and carry around on your skin unknowingly. My husband is pretty sure that he got his from the county courthouse. He went in for jury duty and sat there for hours, resting his arm on the tables, counters, etc. and then when he went out for lunch he got bit by a bug and scratched at the bug bite. By the next day his arm was swelling and filling with puss. (Not pretty, I know). Within two days he went to the doctor and got some antibiotics. They confirmed it was staph. It is that easy to get it.

Michi8 Contributor
Michi8
Posted
Should I be afraid to go to someone house where they have a staph infection?

the person is on antibiotics now, and the sore is almost healed. But I am afraid of catching staph from just being in a home where someone has it.

this person isn't the greatest with making sure she washes her hands, and I'd be very paranoid the whole time.

I know sometimes I scratch my skin. Well, I'm itchy still sometimes, and will accidently scratch an almost healed spot off of myself. Couldn't I easily catch staph then?

Staph germs are all around us, apparently it also frequently lives on the skin or in the nose of a healthy person. I doubt that you would contract a staph infection simply from being in the home of an infected person, but you need to go with your own comfort level...if it is a real concern, then wait until they are healthy again.

Here is some more detailed info on Staphylococcus aureus: Open Original Shared Link

Michelle

SarahTorg Apprentice
SarahTorg
Posted
  • Author
Staph germs are all around us, apparently it also frequently lives on the skin or in the nose of a healthy person. I doubt that you would contract a staph infection simply from being in the home of an infected person, but you need to go with your own comfort level...if it is a real concern, then wait until they are healthy again.

Here is some more detailed info on Staphylococcus aureus: Open Original Shared Link

Michelle

Thank you for the replies!

WEll, I am a paranoid person in general about germs. :-(

The person s house in question is not very clean by my standards. (now I sound like a snob. LOL)

I think I'll need to pass, but worried about hurting feelings. :-(

frenchiemama Collaborator
frenchiemama
Posted

Staph is everywhere. There is staph on your skin right now, mine too.

Having an active rash will make you more susceptible to an infection, but you could just as easily pick up an infection from shopping at the mall as you could from this person's house.

jnclelland Contributor
jnclelland
Posted

This is a big topic with me right now; I'm currently dealing with my second methcillin-resistant staph infection (affectionately known as MRSA) in 6 months. Apparently it's only within the last year or so that people are starting to acquire this from the community (as opposed to hospitals, where all sorts of nasty things hang out). When I got the first one in April, Kaiser was clueless and played musical antibiotics with me for 10 days before they finally diagnosed it correctly and put me on Septra. My sister, a pediatrician in Florida, was much more knowledgeable about it and diagnosed me correctly over the phone on Day 1. After all this, I wrote Kaiser a letter about the whole affair, and much to my suprise, they actually took it very seriously and got their act together about it. (So this time I got the Septra right away, yee-hah!)

Anyway, my point is: if you get a skin abscess these days, odds are EXTREMELY high that it's MRSA and that the penicillin family won't touch it. DEMAND that your doctor culture the fluid for MRSA so you can get on an effective antibiotic.

This bug is also extremely hard to eradicate completely, and my sister gave me a pretty complicated decontamination protocol for the whole house: throw out all liquid toiletries, wash all towels and bedding with bleach once I had been on Septra for a few days, bathe with an anti-bacterial soap at least once a week for a YEAR - all kinds of stuff. And even with all that, here I am with another stupid abscess 6 months later. So honestly, I think it's a perfectly reasonable concern that you might catch it from someone's house!

Jeanne, annoyed that I'm being out-evolved by bacteria

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      127,083
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Kiran Khan
    Newest Member
    Kiran Khan
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121k
    • Total Posts
      69.9k
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Rice, corn, and other gluten-free grains.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Your approach is spot-on—trusting reliable sources like Mayo Clinic and sticking to a gluten-free diet that works for you is the best way to navigate all the noise out there. The claim that rice and corn contain forms of gluten harmful to celiacs is indeed a misconception. While these grains do contain proteins that may technically be referred to as "glutens" in a broader scientific sense, they are structurally and functionally different from the gliadin found in wheat, which is the specific protein harmful to those with celiac disease. Scientific research overwhelmingly supports the safety of non-contaminated rice and corn for celiacs unless there’s a separate sensitivity or allergy involved. Some opinion pieces or alternative health sources may blur the lines by conflating these proteins, which can cause unnecessary worry. You're absolutely correct to focus on the distinction between scientifically validated information and anecdotal claims. It's also important to note that some people with celiac disease may develop sensitivities to other grains over time, but this is individual and not a universal rule. If you’re asymptomatic and thriving on a diet that includes certified gluten-free products with rice and corn, there’s no reason to change what’s clearly working for you. The internet is a breeding ground for well-meaning but misguided advice, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Your instinct to validate claims through reliable research is exactly the right way to go. Keep enjoying your gluten-free meals, stick with trusted certifications, and don’t feel pressured to adopt restrictive diets that aren’t backed by science or tailored to your specific needs. Happy New Year to you too!
    • Scott Adams
      Enegy level extremely low

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Healing and regaining energy after a celiac diagnosis can be a frustratingly slow process, but you're not alone in feeling this way! Everyone's healing journey is different, and factors like age, how long celiac was undiagnosed, and the extent of intestinal damage can all play a role. In general, villi can begin to heal within a few weeks to months after starting a strict gluten-free diet, but for some adults—especially those diagnosed later in life—it can take a year or more to see significant improvement. Studies suggest that older adults may heal more slowly, but it does happen with consistent gluten avoidance. Since you're already taking iron, vitamin D3, and a multivitamin, you're on the right track. Here are a few additional tips that might help: Be Patient with Your Body: It’s hard to wait, but healing takes time. Track your progress in small ways—maybe energy levels on a scale of 1-10 each week—to notice gradual improvements. Check for Other Deficiencies: Sometimes celiacs have trouble absorbing other nutrients, like B12, magnesium, or zinc, which can also affect energy levels. Your doctor may want to test for these. Consider Other Conditions: Fatigue can be linked to other issues like thyroid problems, adrenal fatigue, or even sleep disturbances, which can sometimes occur alongside celiac disease. It might be worth discussing this with your healthcare provider. Stay Active, but Pace Yourself: Gentle exercise, like walking or yoga, can help improve energy levels, but don’t push yourself too hard—listen to your body. Hydration and Balanced Meals: Make sure you're drinking enough water and eating a balanced gluten-free diet with plenty of whole foods. Sometimes highly processed gluten-free products can leave you feeling sluggish. Remember, healing isn’t just physical—it’s also mental. You’ve made a huge, positive change by going gluten-free, and your body is working hard to repair itself. It’s okay to feel impatient, but know that you're moving in the right direction. Hang in there—you’ll get there!
    • Lotte18
      Can food allergies like milk and soy flatten villi?

      By Lotte18 · Posted

      Hi Scott, I thought I'd be like "most people" and could go back to having dairy once my villi had healed.  But after dealing with neurological problems that cropped up long after my gut had healed it turned out that this just wasn't true.  I have no idea if celiac influences pancreatic enzyme production or if it's the other way around--for some of us-- but there is a very real relationship that isn't being discussed with patients.  The article just reiterates information that can mislead you if your real problem is pancreatic not villi related.  
    • Scott Adams
      Sprouts packaged roasted, salted nuts - says "made in a facility that processes wheat" - has anyone had a problem?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      One of our current sponsors sells gluten-free nuts: https://www.tierrafarm.com/
    • trents
      Sprouts packaged roasted, salted nuts - says "made in a facility that processes wheat" - has anyone had a problem?

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @Amyinwyoming! Answers to your question that you might receive may not be helpful to you as an individual since sensitivity levels vary significantly within the gluten sensitive/gluten intolerant/celiac community. The other complicating factor is that low levels of gluten in a product may not cause obvious symptoms but may still generate low level inflammation in the small bowel. When in doubt, it is best to pass on the product. I'm not a particularly sensitive celiac so I might allow myself to eat something at a guest's house that was made from a food product with the kind of disclaimer label you describe but I typically shy away from buying them or consuming them when I have a choice.
×
×
  • Create New...