Decolonisation routine

A patient is said to be colonised (rather than infected) with MRSA if the bacteria are on the surface of the skin and have not entered the blood stream. These patients may have a special antiseptic applied onto their skin or the inside of their nose.

Decolonisation eliminates MRSA and reduces the risk of the bacteria spreading either to other sites on the patient's body or to other patients. Individuals colonised with MRSA may be instructed to wash their skin and hair with suitable disinfectants, such as chlorhexidine.

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