Q:

I live with a couple. The gal told me today that her bf has a skin affliction on his upper arm. She said he had it looked at yesterday, but whoever he saw wasn't able to determine what it is. They prescribed antibiotics.

She said he doesn't want me to know about it because he is embarrassed. She also said it is not contagious.

I am concerned because I don't believe it's possible to tell whether or not something is contagious without knowing what it is. I would also like to know what he was told and whether they sampled the affected area to have it analyzed. When I asked the girl these questions she responded that it is not my business.

My biggest concern is that he may have MRSA, but I also don't know if I am just overreacting.

Can you suggest what I might do? And can you also tell me what precautions I could take?

 

A:

It is unlikely you are having any direct skin contact with either of these people, so the question is whether there is a risk to you of touching surfaces they have touched if he has MRSA, or something else contagious that may spread to you. Your risk is quite low of this happening.

The answer is yes, you can be exposed to bacteria or fungi that cause skin lesions from surfaces. MRSA is now everywhere, not just in medical environments, so you are already exposed to it in every setting. Keeping your hands washed is the best prevention and using plenty of soapy water while bathing and showering is the best prevention.

~The Doc