Not Impetigo...

It has been 7 days.  The new topical medication hasn't done anything to this rash!  It is still the same size as ever.  :-(  On the bright side, though, it hasn't gotten any bigger.  However, that had me worried that maybe the meds are just keeping it in check, you know?

So, I called the doctor's office again today.  I described the whole story to the secretary (including the fact that the lab results were MIA), who wrote it all down for the doctor and told me he would call me back later in the afternoon.

Dr. Hoggard just called me to tell me that the lab results show that the infection is Staph aureus, but not MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), and that the Clyndimiacin should have taken care of it.  Since it didn't, he is switching me to a different antibiotic because the infection resisted the Clyndimiacin.  So, I guess it is currently CRSA instead of MRSA?

Here is a lovely description of MRSA in the general population from the Mayo Clinic...

Another type of MRSA infection has occurred in the wider community — among healthy people. This form, community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA), often begins as a painful skin boil. It's spread by skin-to-skin contact. At-risk populations include groups such as high school wrestlers, child care workers and people who live in crowded conditions.

I still think I got it from the gym equipment.

Here's what the Mayo Clinic recommends for preventing MRSA (or in my case "CRSA")

Preventing CA-MRSA


■Wash your hands. Careful hand washing remains your best defense against germs. Scrub hands briskly for at least 15 seconds, then dry them with a disposable towel and use another towel to turn off the faucet. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol for times when you don't have access to soap and water.


■Keep wounds covered. Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. The pus from infected sores may contain MRSA, and keeping wounds covered will help keep the bacteria from spreading.


■Keep personal items personal. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sheets, razors, clothing and athletic equipment (bold added by me). MRSA spreads on contaminated objects as well as through direct contact.


■Shower after athletic games or practices. Shower immediately after each game or practice. Use soap and water. Don't share towels.


■Sanitize linens. If you have a cut or sore, wash towels and bed linens in a washing machine set to the hottest water setting (with added bleach, if possible) and dry them in a hot dryer. Wash gym and athletic clothes after each wearing.
 
Duh.
 
I get to go pick up the new antibiotic tonight.  Here's to hoping it doesn't make my stomach queasy like the last one did.  And hoping it works, of course.