There has been numerous reports of staph infections amongst hobbyists and providers nationwide. This is a highley contagious bacterial infection and the key to not getting infected and not spreading it is to be educated. This is not a STD but is spread through skin to skin contact and contact with and infected persons personal hygiene items as well as soiled clothing, towels and bedding. As a community we are very vulnerable. if you suspect you have an infection get treatment right away and insist on not only a culture but a resistance sensitivity test. Not being given the right antibiotics can cause massive spreading potentially throught the lymphatic system and can lead to potentially fatal illness's like septic blood poisoning and meningitis. There is much information available on identifying it and how to keep from spreading it. You shouldn't be overly concerned about the hobby as there are many situations that can promote it's spread that are common place such as gyms improperly treated jacuzzis and saunas, daycares, and is prevalent in the sports community as well.
I found a research study that showed that salicylic acid can inhibit the bacterias ability to reproduce so using body washes and topical ointments that contain it as well as taking aspirin can help to prevent or stop its spread on your body.

I read the article, and I see NO mention of cases "amongst hobbyists and providers nationwide," as you wrote.  It states, "An outbreak of boils and skin abscesses has hit gay men in Los Angeles and San Francisco."  Do you have further information to support your claim that you can point us to?

Staph is common--one in three people carry it--but the article is discussing the newer, more drug-resistent strains of it, which are just now beginning to show up outside of hospital settings.  

I agree that we should always practice good hygiene, but let's not cause unwarranted panic.


-- Modified on 9/18/2003 12:37:10 AM

What is "Wanda More Head" a reference to?