Staphylococcus, called staph for short, is a type of bacteria that normally exists on the skin and mucous membranes of the body. Staph is generally harmless unless it is given certain conditions to thrive, after which it can then cause infections that are characterized by tenderness, redness, pain and pus in the form of boils, furuncles and/or abscesses. Left untreated, staph infections can cause other conditions, including impetigo, toxic shock syndrome, and cellulitis.
Staph is one of the most common infections you can catch while getting a pedicure or manicure at an unclean or unsterilized salon or spa. Staph is also a common disease found on flip flops and sandals, as well as the number one cause of osteomyelitis, which is an infection of the bone or bone marrow.
