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Despite the prevalence of staph bacteria on the human body and in the environment, serious staph infections are still relatively uncommon. The majority of staph infections result in minor skin infections such as pimples and boils.

There are certain steps people can take to help prevent contracting a staph infection. Proper care of wounds, including cleaning them with soap and water and covering them with sterile material, helps reduce the risk of infection. Over-the-counter antibiotic ointment may also be used. It is also important to avoid contact with other people’s wounds or material contaminated by the wounds of others, such as bandages.

Wearing loose clothing can help prevent chafing, which can cause a break in the skin and provide entry for staph bacteria.

Not sharing personal hygiene materials (e.g., towels, razors) also helps reduce the spread of bacterial infection. In addition, hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based lotions helps kill the bacteria before they can gain entry into the body.

In community settings, outbreaks of staph infections such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are more likely in crowded areas such as schools, daycare centers, dormitories, locker rooms, military barracks and prisons. It is seldom necessary to close a school or other facility for cleaning, but in some cases school and health officials may decide to do so. Inanimate objects that may have been in contact with MRSA-infected skin can be disinfected with detergents or with disinfectants approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The spread of staph bacteria that can cause foodborne illness may be prevented by washing hands (including under the fingernails) and kitchen utensils before and after preparing food. In addition, leftover prepared food, especially dairy products and meat, should be promptly refrigerated. Foods left at room temperature can foster bacterial growth. If food must be left out for any length of time, hot foods should be kept hot, and cold foods should be kept cold.

Patients with certain medical conditions or implanted devices are at greater risk of developing staph infections. These include patients with heart murmurs, mitral valve prolapse, artificial limbs or implanted devices. Such patients are often advised by their physician to take prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics before dental examinations, dental procedures or other invasive medical procedures.

Staph infections are often associated with medical procedures or stays in hospitals. To reduce the risks of these infections, a physician may recommend prophylactic antibiotics for patients before admission. Carriers in healthcare facilities may also be given antibiotics to reduce their risk of transmitting the bacteria to others. Frequent and thorough hand washing among healthcare staff is also a key preventive measure against hospital-acquired staph infections. This includes washing hands before and after interacting with each patient.