MRSA-healthcare workers and nose piercings

[angelstrings]

Hello,

Avoiding conversation as to the professionalism of nose rings, I have a health question about MRSA.

Say you'd been in the hospital as a CNA for a long time, and assumed you were already colonized (betcha I am). Would getting a nose ring gaurentee infection with MRSA? The bugs are already there inside the nose, then the skin is broken, in go the bugs, then...

Am I thinking of this correctly? So there is really no way a healthcare worker can get a nose ring without getting MRSA infection, right? What is the difference between colonization and infection?

angelstrings

[aura_of_laura]

Well, a nose ring alone isn't going to cause a MRSA skin infection (with redness, pus - classic MRSA skin presentation). Conditions have to be just right to cause an infection, and most healthy people have strong enough immune systems to prevent MRSA infection. And when MRSA colonizes in the nose, it acts just like our normal flora (since staph frequently is in our normal flora).

Could it increase the risk? Sure. But long-established piercings aren't actually broken skin (think of ear piercings, the hole just becomes part of the tissue). Also, the insides of our noses frequently have compromised skin - anytime you get a head cold and have to blow your nose frequently, the skin becomes inflamed and raw.

In my professional judgment, I'd have to guess nose piercings have a minimal impact on the chance of getting an actual MRSA infection.

[angelstrings]

Hi Laura,

Just wanted to drop back in and say thank you for responding to my question. I have so badly always wanted a nose ring, and maybe now I'll get one. We'll see...I've always adored women of Persian and Indian culture for their beauty, and a nose ring just accentuates the beauty. it's just that the MRSA concept was always in the back of my mind. We'll see. I'll let you know how it goes! Thanks again for your post.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

angelstrings, I would think about the usual edict against drop earrings and then think about a nose ring and demented, combative residents.

I'm just sayin'.

[angelstrings]

There's no way anyone could grab onto something flat, the size of a fruit fly.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

There's no way anyone could grab onto something flat, the size of a fruit fly.

Oh, good. You said "ring" earlier, which is entirely different.

[aura_of_laura]

Glad I could help! I know a number of nurses with nose piercings, and they're pretty unobtrusive, yet really cute (the piercings, not the nurses ). Have fun!

[noreenl]

Just watch how long the post is!!!!!

[muffin7]

There's no way anyone could grab onto something flat, the size of a fruit fly.

You would be surprised!!!!!!!!!!!! Beware!!! I wouldn't recommend it!!!!!!!!!!!! If it is pulled out, the skin will never be the same. Yo could also have possible ramifications from the patient/family.

[angelstrings]

thanks, but I already did it. No infection, no complaints. Just beautiful!