Is it safe for a patient with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on the face to can tomatoes?

Management of MRSA on the Face in a Patient Who Wants to Can Tomatoes

Yes, it is safe for your patient with MRSA on the face to can tomatoes as long as proper hygiene measures are followed and the facial infection is appropriately managed.

MRSA Infection Management

Treatment of Facial MRSA

1. Appropriate antibiotic therapy:

   • For uncomplicated skin infections, oral antibiotics active against MRSA should be used 1:
     • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX): 1-2 double-strength tablets twice daily for 7-10 days
     • Clindamycin: 300-450 mg three times daily
     • Doxycycline: 100 mg twice daily (not for children under 8)

2. Drainage of abscesses if present:

   • Incision and drainage is the primary treatment for abscesses 2
   • Culture the drainage to confirm MRSA and determine antibiotic susceptibility 2
   • Antibiotics should be added if there are signs of systemic infection (fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, or abnormal white blood cell count) 2

3. Topical treatment:

   • Mupirocin 2% ointment can be applied to minor skin infections 2
   • Apply to affected areas 2-3 times daily

Food Handling Safety with MRSA

Specific Precautions for Canning Tomatoes

1. Hand hygiene:

   • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling food 2
   • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available
   • Avoid touching the face during food preparation

2. Wound coverage:

   • Keep the MRSA-infected area completely covered with a clean, dry bandage 2
   • Ensure the bandage is secure and won't fall off during food preparation
   • Change bandages as recommended by healthcare provider

3. Additional food safety measures:

   • Wear disposable gloves during food preparation
   • Consider wearing a face mask to prevent respiratory droplets from contaminating food
   • Clean and sanitize all food preparation surfaces before and after use

Prevention of MRSA Spread

Environmental Measures

1. Personal hygiene:

   • Maintain good personal hygiene with regular bathing 2
   • Clean hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel, particularly after touching the infected area 2
   • Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors, or clothing 2

2. Home cleaning:

   • Focus cleaning on high-touch surfaces (counters, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures) 2
   • Use commercially available cleaners according to label instructions 2
   • Launder clothing, towels, and bedding regularly in hot water

3. Decolonization strategies (if recurrent infections occur):

   • Nasal mupirocin twice daily for 5-10 days 2
   • Chlorhexidine body washes for 5-14 days 2
   • Dilute bleach baths may be considered 2

Follow-up and Monitoring

1. Clinical response:

   • Assess improvement within 48-72 hours of starting treatment 1
   • If no improvement, reassess diagnosis and consider changing antibiotics

2. Duration of treatment:

   • Complete the full course of antibiotics (typically 7-10 days) 1
   • Continue wound care until complete healing

3. When to seek further care:

   • Worsening symptoms despite treatment
   • Development of fever or other systemic symptoms
   • Spreading redness, increased pain, or new drainage

Conclusion

With proper treatment of the MRSA infection and adherence to strict hygiene practices, your patient can safely can tomatoes. The key is ensuring the infection is contained with appropriate bandaging, maintaining excellent hand hygiene, and following standard food safety protocols.