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!

Ever notice how sometimes your cheeks flare up bright red when you’re blushing or eating spicy food? Or maybe nothing even happened and your cheeks are still rosy as a ripe tomato. Maybe it’s really humid and your skin has decided to look hot and aggravated, even though you’ve been inside in a temperature controlled environment all day.

It can begin when you just blush or flush more easily than other people. The redness may spread from the cheeks and nose to other areas of the body such as the ears, chest, and back.
The sad truth is, these are all symptoms of Rosacea.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology there are four sub types of Rosacea

1. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: Redness, flushing, visible blood vessels.
2. Papulopustular rosacea: Redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts.
3. Phymatous rosacea: Skin thickens and has a bumpy texture.
4. Ocular rosacea: Eyes red and irritated, eyelids can be swollen, and person may have what looks like a sty.

Today we are going to talk about the most common type, which is simply referred to as Papulopustular Rosacea or Acne Rosacea.

On the skin, Rosacea may just look like rosy cheeks. Other times small pimple-like bumps can break out on the skin. Many times it will include broken blood vessels spread out across the cheeks and nose.

Rosacea can be exacerbated by environmental changes (moving from a hot area to a cool one and vice versa, too much exposure to sunlight, cold wind) to the foods you eat, particularly spicy food. Alcohol can also be a major trigger. Other drinks such as coffee and tea can also be triggers.

Here’s what we recommend:

There are a few ways we like to manage Acne Rosacea here at Skintherapy. The first thing we want to do is take a look at the skin and determine the severity of the condition.

The next thing we usually do is pick a cleanser to help with oiliness. The go-to in this situation would be our BPO Wash. Not only does it help combat oily skin but it also helps with the redness that accompanies Rosacea. This will help manage the inflammation and irritation.

Another excellent product we like to use in our clinic is our Exfoliating Serum #1 which assists in sloughing off dead skin cells and disinfecting skin. This serum also aids in the therapeutic reduction of redness.

For a toner, we love to use our Calming Toner or the Oily Skin Toner. Both of these help calm and and clarify irritated skin. Make your choice dependant on how oily or sensitive your skin is. Both of these are great products, but we can always help you choose which one is the best for your skin if you’d prefer some guidance.

We always recommend visiting us for a consultation before buying or ordering products, but if you are in a bind, at the end of your rope, the products listed above will be of great use to you. Never be afraid to reach out to us with any further questions or added assistance, or simply to book your appointment today.

If you do have Acne Rosacea, remember that you are not alone! Here’s a list of famous actors and actresses who also have Rosacea:

• Cameron Diaz
• Renee Zellweger
• Prince William
• Princess Diana
• Bill Clinton

We look forward to helping you with your Acne and Acne Rosacea.