Home Remedies for Staph Infection

A staph infection is one of the most common infections you can get. Staph infections are short for “Staphylococcal infections”. Staph infections are a group of infections caused by the bacteria of the Staphylococcus family. The staph infections are fairly common as the Staphylococcus bacteria are found abundantly in our nose and skin.

The Staphylococcus bacteria can cause a wide range of infections – from minor skin infections such as boils to serious infections of the blood, or even vital organs like the lungs and heart.

Although there are many types of Staphylococci, the group Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of infection. The Staphylococcus aureus group includes bacteria variants that are strong enough to resist common antibiotics. Such as

• the meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is resistant to certain antibiotics that are commonly used for staph infections and
• the PVL-Staphylococcus aureus, which produces a toxin called Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), which kills infection-fighting white blood cells and can cause recurrent skin infections, such as boils and abscesses.

Staph Infection Categories

Staph infections are medically categorized into two broad groups: Skin and soft tissue infections and Invasive infections. The term “staph infections” covers the following range of infections:

Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

These are the more common staph infections that are relatively minor and spread only to the skin tissues.

• boils – painful, red lumps on the skin that look like a large version of a pimple
• impetigo – sores, blisters, and crusts develop on the skin; highly contagious skin infection and mainly affects children
• cellulitis – infection of the deep layer of the skin and the layer of fat and soft tissue beneath the skin; affected areas become red, painful, swollen and hot; patients feel feverish and nauseous
• folliculitis – itchy pus-filled bump due to infection of a hair follicle
• wound infections – infection of a cut or graze or surgical wound, causing redness, swelling, pain, and pus
• a skin abscess – a painful lump under the surface of the skin with a collection of pus
• staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) – staph bacteria release a toxin that damages the skin, leading to extensive blistering that looks like the skin has been scalded; a more serious condition; mainly affects babies and young children

Invasive infections

These are the more uncommon more invasive infections:

• endocarditis – infection of the inner lining of the heart; causes fever, chest pain, coughing, weakness, and shortness of breath
• osteomyelitis – bone infection, usually affects one of the legs, causes bone pain, restricted movement, and swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area
• pneumonia – lung infection, causes persistent coughing, breathing difficulties and chest pain; often occurs after a viral illness such as flu
• sepsis – blood infection, causes fever, rapid heartbeat, and rapid breathing
• septic arthritis – joint infection, causes pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in affected joints
• toxic shock syndrome – Staphylococcus bacteria release toxins into the blood, causing sudden fever, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, dizziness, confusion, and rashes

Moreover, Staph infections are ‘infectious’. They spread easily through skin-to-skin contact and through cuts and abrasions. Staph infections can also spread from one body part to another through touch.

Although staph infections can affect anyone, some people are at a higher risk of developing the infection. People with weak immune systems such as diabetics, nursing mothers, small babies, people with respiratory illnesses, kidney failure requiring dialysis, cancer, and such chronic diseases are more likely to get infected.

As always, I will ask you to please go to a doctor if you think you have a staph infection. If left untreated, they can spread more and become pervasive. Therefore, get diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

Nevertheless, there are plenty of home remedies for staph infection that you can try out in the comfort of your own home. That’s what I’m here for, I’ll share some effective home remedies for staph infection in this article with you.

Home Remedies for Staph Infection

Here are some home remedies for staph infection that are easy, effective and only require a few ingredients that are readily available. Also, these remedies can help ease pain and discomfort as well as prevent recurrence of staph infection.

1. Turmeric for Staph Infection

Turmeric, the golden spice of the east has an active ingredient called curcumin. It works internally to fight the Staphylococcus bacteria that causes staph infections.

To use turmeric as one of the home remedies for staph infection, mix 1 teaspoon turmeric powder in a glass of warm water or milk or a serving of yogurt. Consume with a meal or on an empty stomach.

2. Tea tree oil for Staph Infection

Tea tree oil is known for its strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also found to be a promising antimicrobial for treating Staphylococcus aureus infections and wounds.

To use tea tree oil to treat staph infections, first moisten a cotton swab. Then add 2 or 3 drops of tea tree essential oil on the cotton swab. Carefully dab it on the infected area. Allow to absorb for a few hours before washing it off.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar for Staph Infection

Apple cider vinegar‘s antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties make it one of the most effective home remedies  for staph infection. It also helps the infections to heal quicker and helps to boost your immune system.

To use it as one of the home remedies for staph infection, mix equal parts of organic apple cider vinegar and water. Use the solution to clean the infected area 1-2 times a day for a couple days or till symptoms subside.

4. Echinacea for Staph Infection

Echinacea contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immune-stimulant properties. It is among the most effective home remedies for staph infection to effectively soothe the symptoms as well as promote quick healing.

You can apply Echinacea ointment or cream directly onto the affected area for 2-3 times per day. You can also drink 1 to 2 glasses of Echinacea tea daily. Alternatively, you may consult your doctor and take Echinacea supplementary pills.

*People with autoimmune diseases are advised to avoid this particular remedy.

5. Castor Oil for Staph Infection

Castor oil is known for its excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is proven that castor oil is significantly effective in treating staph infection. It helps in cleansing pus and easing swelling and pain.

Simply warm some castor oil and apply directly on the affected area. Take a piece of warm flannel cloth and cover the area. Remove when cold. Do this up to 3 times a day.

6. Witch Hazel for Staph Infection

Witch hazel is a herb well known for its soothing properties. It also decreases the multiplication of bacteria. Clean your infected area with a mixture of witch hazel and water several times a day. It will soothe your skin and help eliminate pain and discomfort.

7. Coconut Oil for Staph Infection

What doesn’t coconut oil do? Turns out it is also one of the most effective home remedies for staph infection. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil eliminate bacteria and relieve you from discomfort due to a staph infection.

Take a little bit of coconut oil and apply onto the affected area; massaging gently to improve the absorption. Clean it off after a few hours.  Repeat several times a day until you can find positive changes. Alternatively, you can also eat a teaspoon of coconut oil everyday.

8. Oregano Oil for Staph Infection

Oregano oil has antibiotic properties. The chemical components in oregano oil help in reducing infection effectively.

A 2007 study published in Journal of Medical Microbiology proved positive effects of oregano essential oil on Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

To use, dilute 8 to 10 drops of oregano oil in 2 tablespoons of olive oil or any other carrier oil of your choice. Apply it on the affected area and leave it on for a few hours before washing it off. Repeat application several times a day.

9. Garlic for Staph Infection

The most common ingredient found in your kitchen, Garlic, is a natural antibiotic. It wards off the bacteria causing the staph infections in addition to strengthening your immune system.

To use, first clean the affected area. Now apply a little bit of garlic oil and then cover it with a bandage. Wait for a few hours and remove the bandage. Repeat the process twice daily for a few days.

10. Bitter Gourd for Staph Infection

Apparently, only the taste of the bitter gourd is bitter. It has sweet health benefits, after all. The essential nutrients in bitter gourd can help improve your immunity as well as enhance your immune system.

A strong immune system is the first need to ward off staph infections. Grate, grind and extracted the juice of 2 bitter gourds. Apply the juice onto the affected area with a cotton ball. You can also drink the juice on an empty stomach.

11. Warm Compress for Staph Infection

If you have a boil, you need to ripen it to release the pus and heal it completely. Use warm compresses on the boil multiple times a day to speed up the ripening process.

12. Aloe vera for Staph Infection

Aloe vera is my go to treatment whenever I come across any skin problems. It is also one of the most effective home remedies for staph infection.

Take 1 teaspoon of either fresh or organic packaged aloe vera gel. Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil. Apply this mixture onto the affected area. Leave on for a few hours and wash off with water. Repeat 1-2 times every day.

13. Eucalyptus Oil for Staph Infection

Another effective home remedy for staph infection is Eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus produces a volatile oil that is rich in eucalyptol or 1,8-cineole, and other terpenoids as well. These constituents consist of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and expectorant agents.

You can dilute some drops of eucalyptus oil in almond oil or any other carrier oil and apply it to the affected area. Alternatively, boil 4-5 drops of eucalyptus oil in a glass of water. Drink the tea prepared at least once a day to cure staph infections.

14. Manuka Honey for Staph Infection

Manuka honey is a special kind of honey from New Zealand. The healing and antibacterial properties of Manuka honey can help to control staph infections. It also speeds up the healing process, eradicates the infection while sterilizing the wound. Manuka honey contains certain phytochemicals which can help to inhibit the development of the bacteria which cause infection. The National Geographic News reported in 2009 September that Manuka honey contains compounds that aren’t yet identified, make it become more effective and useful than regular honey in preventing the MRSA growth in the laboratory.

Manuka honey contains certain phytochemicals that inhibit the development infection causing bacteria. It has also been proven to restrict MRSA growth in the laboratory.

Take a small amount of Manuka honey and apply it on the affected area. Cover with a bandage or let it sit for a few hours and wash off with water. Repeat the process 2-3 times daily until satisfactory results appear.

Few More Tips for Staph Infection

In addition to the above home remedies for staph infection, it is important that you take care of the following things:

1. Avoid touching the affected area. Touching might worsen the conditions and slow down the healing of staph infections.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, especially before eating. If washing isn’t an option, use a good quality hand sanitizer.
3. Maintain a high level of hygiene. You don’t want to spread the infections to others as well as other parts of your own body.
4. If you have any injuries, make sure you keep the wound clean. Sterilize and bandage the wound properly.
5. Do not share personal belongings like clothes, towel, handkerchief or soap with anyone else.
6. Eat a healthy diet and exercise to keep your immunity at peak levels.
7. Wash your clothes and bed sheets in hot water and dry in direct sunlight.

Staph infections can be difficult and painful to go through. However, with proper care and the right home remedies for staph infection, you can treat your infection and return back to normal. Follow a clean and healthy lifestyle.

Feel free to ask me anything about these home remedies for staph infection. I’ll be more than happy to help you.