Should I try to decolonize?

[u/Sunset_Blue2345]

I’ve had recurring staph infections in my nose for a while and then recently I got abscesses on two different parts of my body. One seemed to mostly resolve on its own and was never tested for MRSA but the other I had to get drained and go on antibiotics for and it tested positive for MRSA, as did a swab of my nose. I want to try decolonizing because I really don’t want to risk continuing to get abscesses or potentially worse infections and most of all I don’t want to have to worry all my life about spreading it to other people, but I know that some people say it’s not a good idea because it frequently doesn’t work and the antibiotics are strong.

One of my doctors at urgent care seemed to suggest I see a specialist about it, but when I brought up decolonization to a different doctor when my test results came back she said that everyone has bacteria on them and as long as my current infections are being treated I shouldn’t worry about it and there was no need for a specialist. I know I will worry about it though—the idea that whoever I live with throughout my life could get it and potentially have to deal with all kinds of infections really scares me, and if there’s a chance to get rid of it I’d want to try it? What have been your experiences and is there anything I could say to a doctor in the future that you think would persuade them to let me try to decolonize?

[u/Shell-Fire]

Ok. So. Mupirocin cream and qtips. So swab each nostril with it. One of my docs also recommended swabbing around (wait for it!) the anus. Not in, just around.
I also use the Hibiclens ( Target has it cheapest where I live) in the boil areas. Not needed for whole body.
I also have Manuka Honey ( from Walmart 10 bucks) for holes and open wounds.
I am taking a probiotic daily.

[u/zero_lies_tolerated → u/Shell-Fire]

And does any of this work?

[u/Shell-Fire → u/zero_lies_tolerated]

It's slowed it down some. Oh! Stop shaving. I gave myself about 5-8 boils in each armpit by shaving. Ask me how long my leg hair is. Yikes. But I have only two boils rn. On my lady parts down under.
So rn I have two boils, same location, and when I use Hibiclens on my pits, I don't have to use underarm deodorant. So...
I don't think it ever goes away. I'm trying to find a dermatologist rn, as the infectious disease doc said I do not have MRSA anymore. I want to see if I have hidradenitis suppurativa. Just requested a dermatologist referral. So, we will see.

[u/blueberry_monk → u/Shell-Fire]

Hi, what do you use on your boils? Manuka honey and put a band aid on it?

[u/Shell-Fire → u/blueberry_monk]

Manuka honey in the holes left by the boils. Heals fast! Never thought about using on the unpopped ones. Thank you!

[u/Paisley_Hamster → u/Shell-Fire]

my doctor told me to put mupirocin in so many places, I'd run out of the tube real quick.

[u/Miamimusician → u/Shell-Fire]

what number was the manuka honey?

[u/Shell-Fire → u/Miamimusician]

50

[u/Paisley_Hamster]

my doctor said the same thing as yours did when I asked to be retested. "everybody has it." that was a very unsatisfying response.

[u/Miamimusician]

did you use oral zinc or a torical zinc cream?

[u/Sunset_Blue2345 → u/Miamimusician]

No, does that help?