The truth about methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus is surprising. MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that causes skin and other kinds of infections.

Sometimes called "the superbug," MRSA is resistant to certain antibiotics, but several antibiotics still work. And many times, antibiotics aren't even needed—doctors are often able to treat MRSA skin infections by simply draining them.

Because skin infections caused by MRSA are increasing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched a new campaign to educate families about MRSA. Although most of these skin infections are mild, some infections may become life threatening.

There are a few simple steps that can be taken to protect against MRSA skin infections:

•Know the signs and symptoms of MRSA and get treatment early. A staph skin infection, including one caused by MRSA, usually appears as a bump or infected area on the skin that may be red, swollen, painful, warm to the touch, or full of pus or other drainage.

It is important to contact a healthcare provider if these signs and symptoms are accompanied by a fever.

•Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered. Keeping cuts and scrapes covered will help prevent spreading bacteria to others. If the area is infected, contact a healthcare provider and follow his or her instructions about proper care of the infection. Be sure to discard used bandages in the trash.

•Encourage good hygiene such as cleaning hands regularly. Bacteria and other germs are often spread from person to person by direct contact, mostly by hands. Clean hands frequently with soap and water or an alcoholbased hand rub, especially after changing a bandage or touching infected skin.

•Discourage sharing of personal items. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors or clothing that may have had contact with infected skin or soiled bandages.

•Wash sheets, towels and clothes with water and laundry detergent. Water temperatures for household laundry depend on the type of fiber or fabric of the clothing. In general, wash and dry in the warmest temperatures recommended on the clothing label. Use a clothes dryer to dry clothes completely.

This story is provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.