Mom says the superbug that killed an 18-year-old girl developed from acne on her face
An 18-year-old girl died on Monday (12) after suffering a generalized infection resulting from the superbug Staphylococcus aureus. The case was registered in Blumenau, city of Santa Catarina.
According to G1, Daniela Veiga, mother of Dâmilly Beatriz da Graça, said that the origin of the sepsis was an acne that the biomedical student had on her face. In fact, lesions like this serve as a means of entry for bacteria to reach the body.
“It is a bacterium that is normally present as a colonizer, so we know that approximately 30% of healthy adults will have this bacterium as a colonizer in their nose, another 20% will have it colonize the skin and live with this bacterium without causing any disease “, begins the ‘infectologist Cristiano Galvão, speaking with the Earth.
“The problem occurs when we have what we call a gateway. Some wound, some injury caused by an accident, surgical procedure, immunosuppressed patients… It is then that this bacterium will find a mechanism to enter the bloodstream and cause an infection which can be generalized and progress to sepsis”, clarifies the doctor, adding that the Staphylococcus aureus it can cause many other complications, such as pneumonia, endocarditis, and septic arthritis, depending on how it accesses the bloodstream.
There is a treatment for the bacteria – Galvão points out that the disease is controlled with the use of antibiotics, but in some cases the body may be resistant to the drug. For the infectologist, this is a consequence of the indiscriminate use of medicines, a problem currently observed in Brazilian society.
Risks associated with acne
Therefore, acne is just another gateway for the superbug. Dermatologist Lucas Miranda confirms that, when it becomes inflamed, the pimple can form open lesions, such as pustules or cysts, which favor the microorganism.
But that’s not the only problem. For example, acne can leave permanent scars on the skin. When the case is more severe, nodular or cystic acne can cause severe pain and infection. “In addition, it can have a significant psychological impact and can be associated with anxiety, depression and social isolation,” notes Miranda, a member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.
How to avoid or reduce the effect of acne?
For Miranda, the essential measure is to maintain good facial hygiene by gently washing the face with a suitable soap twice a day. It’s also important to avoid using products that can clog pores; keep dirty hands away from the face; remove makeup before going to bed; and consult a dermatologist to find out which treatment and skincare routine is best for your skin.
And how to treat acne skin?
Treatment, as usual, depends on the severity of the problem and the individual characteristics of the patient. “The dermatologist may recommend a combination of treatments, such as topical products containing active ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids. In severe cases, the use of oral medications, such as antibiotics or isotretinoin, may be necessary,” she points out. .
Those suffering from the problem also shouldn’t avoid popping or squeezing their pimples to avoid further inflammation and infection.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
