Latest news with #infection
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Woman died after lick from dog caused infection
A "very frail" but independent and "determined" woman died from an infection caused when a dog licked a wound on her leg, a court heard. June Baxter, 83, from Attleborough in Norfolk, cut her leg while using a commode at her home on 29 June. Mrs Baxter was alone when she injured herself, but when her granddaughter Caitlan Allin - her main carer - arrived, Ms Allin's dog licked the wound, Norfolk Coroner's Court was told. Tests showed a bacteria present on Mrs Baxter's leg that is commonly found in the mouths of domestic animals. On Tuesday, coroner Johanna Thompson recorded a conclusion of accidental death. None of Mrs Baxter's family were in court, and had not joined the hearing remotely, but the coroner said they had seen the evidence and were content for the inquest to be heard in their absence. Statements read in court described how paramedics used tweezers to reposition damaged skin, and dressed the wound. But the next day Mrs Baxter, a retired legal secretary, felt unwell and was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, where tests were carried out. Results showed pasteurella multocida, an organism typically found in the mouths of dogs. The court was told that despite medical treatment, Mrs Baxter continued to display symptoms of sepsis, which caused her death on 7 July. Secondary causes of death included kidney, liver and heart conditions. Ms Thompson said: "Mrs Baxter was in frail health. On 29 June she was found to have injured her leg at her home. "On the following day she reported feeling unwell; she was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital where she was diagnosed with an infection which was subsequently identified to be arising from a domestic dog lick." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. British woman dies from rabies after puppy scratch The eight hygiene hot spots in the home Related internet links Norfolk Coroner's Court
BBC News
2 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Attleborough woman died of infection after dog licked wound
A "very frail" but independent and "determined" woman died from an infection caused when a dog licked a wound on her leg, a court Baxter, 83, from Attleborough in Norfolk, cut her leg while using a commode at her home on 29 Baxter was alone when she injured herself, but when her granddaughter Caitlan Allin - her main carer - arrived, Ms Allin's dog licked the wound, Norfolk Coroner's Court was showed a bacteria present on Mrs Baxter's leg that is commonly found in the mouths of domestic animals. On Tuesday, coroner Johanna Thompson recorded a conclusion of accidental death. None of Mrs Baxter's family were in court, and had not joined the hearing remotely, but the coroner said they had seen the evidence and were content for the inquest to be heard in their read in court described how paramedics used tweezers to reposition damaged skin, and dressed the the next day Mrs Baxter, a retired legal secretary, felt unwell and was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, where tests were carried showed pasteurella multocida, an organism typically found in the mouths of court was told that despite medical treatment, Mrs Baxter continued to display symptoms of sepsis, which caused her death on 7 causes of death included kidney, liver and heart conditions. Ms Thompson said: "Mrs Baxter was in frail health. On 29 June she was found to have injured her leg at her home."On the following day she reported feeling unwell; she was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital where she was diagnosed with an infection which was subsequently identified to be arising from a domestic dog lick." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
This Is The Most Common Reason Your Ear Piercing Is Getting Infected
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." POV: You finally got that cartilage piercing you've been thinking about. You picked out the perfect starter stud (but have big plans to level-up to a hoop when the time is right) and you're feeling like a certifiable cool girl. Flash forward a few days later and there's just one problem: the piercing is infected—or so you think. The healing process with any piercing might have some bumps in the road (pun intended), including infection. 'By definition, a skin infection is an unwanted bacteria, fungus, or virus on the skin,' Mona A. Gohara, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine and Women's Health advisory board member, says. 'This generally requires some type of intervention to heal, stop spreading, and prevent further occurrences.' And, if it happens to you, just know you're among the nearly 30 percent of people who get an infection, per a 2022 study in the Journal of Nature and Science of Medicine. Infected piercings can occur due to sanitary reasons or just straight-up bad luck. The biggest signs you might have an infection are itchy skin, burning, throbbing, or even a skin rash. Ahead, doctors share everything you need to know about infected ear piercings—the causes, treatment options, how to prevent infections, and when it's time to call your provider. Meet the experts: Mona A. Gohara, MD, is an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine and a Women's Health advisory board member. Kenneth A. Kaplan, MD, is an otolaryngologist with ENT and Allergy Associates in New Jersey. Kim Nichols, MD, is a dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and the founding director of NicholsMD. Leila Mankarious, MD, is an ENT specialist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear and an associate professor of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at Harvard Medical School. Tracy Evans, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of Pacific Skin Cosmetic Dermatology. What causes an infected ear piercing? Anyone can get an infected piercing, but it usually happens due to one of two major reasons. Either your piercing site wasn't adequately sterilized before you were pierced, or you didn't take great care of it after you were pierced, Kenneth A. Kaplan, MD, an otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in New Jersey, says. Typically, new ear lobe piercings heal in about six weeks, but if you keep touching it during that time, infection may occur. "Twisting and turning a new piercing could damage the delicate skin and hinder the healing process," says dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Kim Nichols, MD. Your hands can expose your new piercing to germs and bacteria, which can lead to another infection and scarring, she says. While infections can technically occur anywhere on your ear, getting a cartilage piercing may put you at a higher risk (try 40 times higher, per the 2022 study). 'Piercing infections are most likely to occur in areas where the blood supply is low,' says Leila Mankarious, MD, an ENT specialist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear and an associate professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Harvard Medical School. That's why cartilage piercings have higher infection rates—and a tougher healing process, adds Dr. Kaplan. How To Treat An Infected Ear Piercing If you trust the studio location you got pierced at, it may help to visit and have your ear evaluated before treating the infection at home, Dr. Kaplan says. But most of the time, you can treat your infection at home if you catch it early enough. Here's how, per Nichols. At-Home Treatment For An Infected Ear Piercing Start by washing your hands with soap and water. Grab a saline solution, either store-bought or homemade (dissolve a 1/2 teaspoon of iodine-free sea salt into a cup of distilled water). Do not use alcohol to clean the site, as it can dry out an infection and delay healing. Soak your piercing in the saline solution or use a cotton swab to gently clean around both sides of the earlobe. Avoid using products like cotton balls and gauze since they can catch more easily on the piercing and cause irritation. Air-dry your piercing. The less the piercing is touched and moved around, the better. Repeat three times a day. Medical Treatment "Skin infections are treated based on severity," says Tracy Evans, MD, a dermatologist and the medical director of Pacific Skin Cosmetic Dermatology. "Sometimes we can do local interventions such as cleaning the area with peroxide and water or Hibiclens soap. Other times we need to do oral antibiotics if the infection is more severe." In non-severe cases, you might be prescribed mupirocin or polysporin ointment, says Dr. Evans. If you have a major infection or it involves the cartilage of your ear, you might need to remove the piercing. 'Failure to remove hardware in a timely manner could result in the need for hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and/or surgical intervention,' Dr. Kaplan says. Your doc may need to drain pus from the infection or even remove the non-salvageable tissue, which could be a pretty big deal and even increase chances of deformity, he warns. How To Prevent An Ear Piercing Infection A huge factor is choosing a piercing shop that's sanitary. 'The more experience someone has in doing piercings—with a reputation for good results—the better the odds of a favorable outcome,' Dr. Kaplan says. Read reviews on the shop and your piercer beforehand, and if you go into a piercing shop and it seems like it's not clean or you just don't get a good vibe, go elsewhere. You can also try to avoid cartilage piercings, specifically. 'No physician will ever recommend piercing the cartilage of the ear,' Dr. Kaplan says. If you do opt for a cartilage earring, follow the after-care instructions perfectly, even after it seems like your piercing is all healed up. 'Not strictly adhering to the post-piercing care instructions would increase the odds of infection,' Dr. Kaplan says. Finally, touching your piercing a lot while it's still a new, open wound, can also expose it to bacteria. Hands off your new accessory, at least in the beginning. When To See A Doctor Ear piercing infections don't typically occur until three to seven days after the initial piercing, Dr. Mankarious says. Redness, discharge, tenderness, and swelling could be signs of a minor infection, but your infection might be severe if you notice increasing redness, pain, pus drainage, major swelling, abscess formation, or a fever, says Dr. Kaplan. If you have a fever higher than 100.4 degrees, you may be dealing with cellulitis, a common and potentially serious bacterial skin infection. You may also have an allergy to the hardware in your ear that can resemble an infection. But unfortunately, it can be tough for non-doctors to figure out the difference, Dr. Mankarious says. Ultimately, if you have severe irritation, your earring becomes embedded in your skin and the piercing is stuck in place, or your infection doesn't improve with at-home treatment in two to three days, it's time to consult your healthcare provider. If you start to develop a fever or the infection starts to spread, seek help immediately. Frequently Asked Questions Do only new ear piercings get infected? 'Infections are most likely to occur during the first week following [a new] piercing, but can arise later on,' Dr. Kaplan says. If you've had pierced ears for eons, you're not totally off the hook, but you are at a lowered risk of just randomly developing an infection. That said, if you pick at an old piercing or it's affected by some sort of trauma, you can get an infection. How do you treat a rejected or migrating piercing? Foreign objects like piercings can be seen as threats by your body, which can cause a negative response at the piercing site, explains Dr. Nichols. "Generally when this happens, the body tries to fight the piercing by pushing it out and healing over it," she says. If it looks like your jewelry is moving away from the original piercing site, it could be migrating and your body may be rejecting it. In this case, make an appointment with your doc who will likely remove the piercing and prescribe further treatment. 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Medscape
a day ago
- Health
- Medscape
Beard Stubble: Style Statement or Pathogen Paradise?
Human skin harbours billions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Facial hair represents a unique microbiological environment. Beards maintain ideal temperature, moisture, pH, and nutrient levels to support a dense and diverse microbial population. Sebum, food debris, and dirt can accumulate on hair, further promoting microbial growth. Frequent touching of the beard, often with the hands, can spread germs from the environment. Research over the past 50 years has shown that bacteria and toxins can persist in beards even after washing. This has led to concerns that beards may harbour bacteria, which could increase the risk for infection. Healthcare Context In healthcare, beards remain a topic of debate, particularly regarding the spread of hospital-acquired infections. Studies have shown mixed results; some have found higher overall bacterial counts on the faces of bearded healthcare workers than on those of their clean-shaven peers, while others have reported no significant difference. One study comparing hygiene levels in human and dog MRI scans found that men's beards carried a higher microbiological load than canine fur, including potentially harmful bacteria. Interestingly, the same study also showed that bearded doctors were less likely to carry Staphylococcus aureus, a key cause of hospital-acquired infections, than clean-shaven doctors. In addition, patients treated by bearded surgeons did not have higher rates of postoperative infection. Skin Infections Beards can spread skin infections, such as impetigo, a contagious condition typically caused by S aureus, which can colonise facial hair. In rare cases, parasites such as pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) have been found in beards, eyelashes, or eyebrows, particularly in situations involving poor hygiene or close contact with an infected person. Beard Care Neglected or poorly maintained beards can cause skin irritation, inflammation, and infections. The underlying skin is sensitive, as it contains many blood vessels, nerves, and immune cells, and can be easily affected by oil, dead skin, and environmental factors. Experts recommend daily cleansing of the face and beard to effectively remove dirt, allergens, and microbes. Dermatologists also advise regular moisturisation, using a beard comb to clear out impurities, and trimming to manage stray hairs and support healthy growth. The hygiene of a beard largely depends on how well it is cared for; when cleaned daily, it does not pose a significant risk. This story was translated from Univadis Germany.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Man left with riddled with ulcer-like boils 24 hours after catching bubonic plague from pet cat
A MAN started growing boils up his arm just hours after catching the bubonic plague from his pet cat. The 73-year-old from Oregon, US, had accidentally cut his finger with a kitchen knife in January of 2024 before touching the feline. 5 5 The cat was already on antibiotics for an infection, thought to be a neck abscess, at the time. Within a day, a "tender" ulcer appeared on his wrist, according to a paper in the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Over the next several hours, the infection spread, causing redness and bumps called buboes that extended up his arm toward his armpit. Buboes are swollen lymph nodes that enlarge and become tender due to the infection. If left untreated, the infection can cause the skin over the buboes to turn black and die, which is where the plague gets its name, the 'Black Death.' Four days later, the pensioner went to hospital, where doctors put him on antibiotics. Tests later confirmed he was infected with Yersinia pestis, the bacteria that causes plague, according to US Centre for Disease Controls Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Medics then switched him onto stronger plague-fighting drugs, including gentamicin and levofloxacin, and he began to improve. He was kept in hospital for over a week and sent home with more medication to finish recovering. At a check-up days later, he was back on his feet, although still feeling wiped out. Though many believe the medieval disease is long gone, some countries still suffer deadly outbreaks of plague due to animals carrying the bacteria. In recent years, it has reported in the US, Peru, China, Bolivia, Uganda, Tanzania and Russia. Experts writing the report, published last week, said the case marked the earliest the bubonic plague has struck in Oregon, with previous cases usually hitting from May onwards. They believe rising winter temperatures could be helping plague, carrying fleas stay active longer, increasing the risk of off-season outbreaks. The man's cat later died after surgery because the owner was unable to give it antibiotics. Tests later confirmed the cat was positive for the same deadly plague bacteria that infected the man. The infectious bacterial disease is carried by wild rodents and their fleas. Officials haven't confirmed exactly how the infection passed from the cat to its owner, but if the cat was bitten by infected fleas, it could have brought the bacteria or fleas into the home, exposing the man. 5 Cats are especially vulnerable to plague because their immune systems struggle to fight off the infection. Plus, they're more likely than many other pets to hunt and catch rodents carrying infected fleas, increasing their risk of contracting, and spreading, the disease. Plague remains on both the WHO and UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) priority pathogen lists due to its potential to cause a pandemic. The WHO estimates between 1,000 and 2,000 cases of plague occur globally each year. Though now rare and treatable with antibiotics, plague can still be deadly. The three types of plague Plague takes a few forms. Bubonic plague, the most common form. The main symptoms include buboes, usually in the neck, groin, thighs, or armpits. They may also burst open, releasing the pus inside. Septicemic plague occurs when the infection spreads to the bloodstream. It can develop on its own or as a complication of bubonic plague, causing symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, shock, and bleeding into the skin and organs. Pneumonic plague, the deadliest form, is fatal in up to 90 per cent of patients if left untreated. It often develops when untreated bubonic or septicemic plague spreads to the lungs. But it can also be caught from inhaling the respiratory droplets (e.g. via coughing or sneezing) from an infected person. It infects the lungs and can spread rapidly between humans through airborne droplets. Symptoms include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and sometimes coughing up blood. Pneumonic plague requires immediate medical attention. Last week, health officials in Arizona announced that a man had died from pneumonic plague just 24 hours after his symptoms began. 5 Risk to Brits is 'very low' On average, there are seven human plague cases are reported in the US each year, according to the CDC. Meanwhile, plague is no longer found in the UK, and the risk of imported cases is considered 'very low,' according to government guidance. However, Covid jab scientists are developing a Black Death vaccine over fears the disease could re-emerge and kill millions. The team behind the Oxford AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine said they had made progress on an injection that could prevent bubonic plague from developing. The last significant British outbreak occurred in Suffolk in 1918, though a few isolated cases have been suspected since. History of the Black Death THE Black Death was an epidemic of bubonic plague which struck Europe and Asia in the 1300s. It killed more than 20 million people in Europe and about 25 million more across Asia and North Africa, totaling roughly 45 million deaths worldwide. Scientists now know the plague was spread by a bacillus known as yersina pestis. Bubonic plague can cause swelling of the lymph nodes. If untreated, it could spread to the blood and lungs. Other symptoms included fever, vomiting and chills. Physicians relied on treatments such as boil-lancing to bathing in vinegar as they tried to treat people with the plague. Some believed that the Black Death was a "divine punishment" - a form of retribution for sins against God
