There are a few other kinds of conditions that can sometimes be mistaken for acne in certain cases, and Staph infections are a common example. Staph infections sometimes appear in similar ways to acne and can be mistaken for it as a result, but being able to tell the two apart is important to receive the proper treatment.

At Skintherapy Skincare & Acne Clinic, we're proud to offer the best acne treatments and related services at our skincare clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah, with estheticians who are experts at identifying acne versus other potential skin issues. While we don't directly treat Staph infections, our estheticians are quite familiar with these issues and how to tell them apart from acne - and we'll even make recommendations on ideal doctors to speak to if it turns out your issue is indeed a Staph infection. Here are some basics on Staph infections and why they're a risk, plus some of the basic indicators our estheticians will use to identify them separately from acne.

Staph Infection Basics and Infection Methods

What exactly is a Staph infection, and how does it differ from acne? Staph infections are caused by the bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus, which is commonly found on the skin and in the nose. While this bacterium is typically harmless, if it enters your body through a cut or wound, it can cause an infection. This is where things can become dangerous, as Staph infections can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

Staph infections are highly contagious and can spread easily through person-to-person contact or by touching contaminated surfaces. It's important to note that while anyone can develop a Staph infection, certain groups of people, such as athletes, healthcare workers, children, and those with weakened immune systems, are at a higher risk.

Signs of Staph Infection (And How They Differ From Acne)

It's true that in their early stages, Staph infections often resemble pimples or boils. However, there are some key differences to look out for:

• Staph infections tend to be more painful than acne and may have a burning sensation.
• The surrounding skin of a Staph infection may appear red, swollen, and warm to the touch.
• Pus or fluid-filled blisters may develop in the infected area.
• Staph infections can also cause fever and chills, while acne typically does not.
• Staph infections have no obvious border where one lesion ends and another begins, unlike acne.
• Staph infections tend to spread very quickly, while acne is more measured.

Now, even knowing these basics, there will be some cases where it's still hard for individual patients to determine on their own whether they have a Staph infection or acne. This is where professional estheticians or dermatologists come in. They are trained to identify and diagnose different types of skin conditions, including Staph infections and acne. Moreover, they can provide personalized treatment plans tailored specifically for each patient's needs (or, in other cases, recommendations on treatment centers for Staph infections).

Don't Wait to Treat Staph Infections

If you're examined by our estheticians and it turns out your issue is indeed a Staph infection and not acne, you should take immediate action and start treatment. Staph infections can spread quickly if left untreated, causing more serious health complications such as abscesses or even sepsis. Treatment options for Staph infections include:

• Antibiotics: If caught early, a simple course of antibiotics can clear up the infection in a matter of days. However, it's important to finish the entire course of medication as prescribed by your doctor to ensure that the infection is completely eradicated.
• Drainage: In cases where an abscess has formed, our estheticians may recommend draining it to remove the pus and relieve pressure. This should only be done by a trained professional to avoid further complications.
• Topical treatments: For mild Staph infections or recurring ones, topical ointments or creams may be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms and prevent future outbreaks.

Preventing Future Staph Infections

Once you have successfully treated a Staph infection, it is important to take steps to prevent future occurrences. Here are some tips to help you avoid contracting Staph bacteria:

• Keep your skin clean: Regularly washing your hands and taking showers can help prevent the spread of Staph bacteria. Remember to use a mild soap and warm water when washing.
• Avoid sharing personal items: Items such as towels, razors, and clothing should not be shared with others to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
• Cover any wounds or cuts: If you have any open wounds or cuts, make sure to keep them covered with a bandage until they are fully healed.
• Maintain good hygiene: Make sure to regularly clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, and keyboards.

At Skintherapy Skincare & Acne Clinic, our expert estheticians are able to spot the differences between acne and Staph infections and quickly point you in the right direction for treatment. Contact us today for these or any other skincare clinic needs around SLC or nearby parts of Utah!

When it comes to your skin, you want solid, timely advice. There’s so much out there, how do you start?

You’ve done great by starting your journey here reading this blog!

Keratosis Pilaris affects 30-50% of the world’s population. That includes some A-list stars like Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Keira Knightley. So don’t be embarrassed by it! We’re here to help!

With any skin condition you may have, it may be tempting to read forums and do as everyone else is doing. But I’m here to tell you that is not necessary and will only leave you more lost.

Try reading this instead...

Most people think skincare is a game of trying to figure out what products work best for you out of the expansive, never ending list of recommendations. If you try to fix your skin problems this way, it will take forever! And you may never find the solution you are looking for.

You have already found the solution and it’s right here. Below I will share with you not just one but three products that will help with Keratosis Pilaris.

But first, what is it?

Keratosis Pilaris is a skin condition that appears as tiny red bumps on the skin. They look like goosebumps or “chicken skin” and are often mistaken for acne. But all they really are is buildup of keratin in the hair follicle. It’s totally painless and harmless.

Having dry skin can often make it worse, so having a good moisturizer is important to keep handy. It’s not entirely clear what causes it, but many people notice that is it worse in the winter months. For many, it starts when they are young children and can last up into their 30s. There is no known cure.

So what’s the best way to deal with it?

If you decide to rely on a dermatologist recommendation, they might have you use some heavy, sticky, uncomfortable creams and send you on your way without a second thought. Your condition may not be considered too serious to them but it really bothers you.

So, I have a solution. It’s our Exfoliating Serum 3

With Keratosis Pilaris, exfoliation is extremely important. We have a serum that is great at this. It is called the Exfoliating Serum 3 and it works to get deep into the skin to work on the bumps before they start and heal the ones that already exist.

You will not find anything like this anywhere else. Why? Because it’s our formula that only exists here at Skintherapy. It works wonders for those suffering from Keratosis Pilaris.

Exfoliating Face and Body Scrub

Next is a scrub that helps get rid of all of that keratin buildup in your skin. It’s called the Exfoliating Face and Body Scrub and this helps immensely in clearing the skin of unwanted bumps and blemishes.

To finish it all off, for moisturizer you will want to use Aquaphor or something like it. It won’t break you out and it will keep your skin nice and smooth.

There you have it! A simple solution to a problem that has been bothering you endlessly.

You can try the products in our online store or book an appointment today for one on one assistance dealing with your Keratosis Pilaris.

Try giving our Master Estheticians a call at 801-800-6602 for more advice on how to get started using these amazing products! You won’t regret it!