Five important facts athletes and parents need to know about MRSA

WHAT IS MRSA?

MRSA is a drug-resistant form of a very common bacteria (one you are likely to have on your own skin.) MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus S. aureus that is found in the noses or on the skin up to 30% of healthy individuals. Through the increased use of antibiotics in healthcare settings, S. aureus developed a resistance to a class of antibiotics and became MRSA.

WHY IS MRSA SO DIFFICULT TO TREAT?

The drugs MRSA is resistant to are the most commonly used antibiotics. These include all the antibiotics you may be familiar with such as penicillin, amoxicillin, oxacillin, and methicillin.

IS MRSA DANGEROUS?

There are over 80,000 cases of invasive MRSA each year, leading to over 11,200 deaths and this number is growing each year.

MRSA can lead to extended hospitals stays and slower healing, but it can also cause death. If a MRSA infection cannot be treated with more powerful antibiotics, removal of infected tissue, it continues to invade a patient’s body and can lead to fatal organ failure.

HOW DOES A MRSA INFECTION OCCUR? HOW DOES IT ENTER THE BODY?

MRSA germs can get into the body through various skin injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, burns or other wounds.

WHY ARE ATHLETES AT INCREASED RISK FOR MRSA?

MRSA can spread easier among athletes, and infections are quite common. The bacteria can spread by skin-to-skin contact, cuts and abrasions that if left uncovered makes spread easier to allow the bacteria to enter the skin. Poor hygiene, sharing of towels or equipment and locker rooms are also risk factors.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP PREVENT MRSA?

The CDC recommends that you keep all cuts and scrapes covered with a bandage, but bandages are hard to keep on when you are an athlete… sweat, equipment and contact can easily make a bandage come off, leaving the athlete vulnerable for bacteria to attack.

DuraDerm SPORT is a new advanced liquid polymer bandage designed specifically to protect athletes.

  • DuraDerm SPORT:
  • Kills MRSA on contact
  • Contains no Antibiotics
  • Provides an organic barrier that Seals and Protects the skin injury from bacteria, sweat, dirt and moisture
  • Promotes Faster Healing

DuraDerm® SPORT is a FDA cleared Class I medical device. DuraDerm® SPORT is a non-antibiotic, microbicidal liquid polymer that forms a protective film barrier over the skin. WARNING: For use on minor wounds, cuts, abrasions, burns and scrapes that are clean and dry. Not for use on deep, infected, or puncture wounds. Do not use near eyes or mouth.