Staph lives on our skin and gets in through openings (sores, cuts,
surgeries, sometimes boils).
Did they give her instructions as to hygiene?
I'm no expert, but she has to keep her hands away from the area and use
antibacterial wipes on her hands before touching any open area. And
possibly use those wipes on everything she touches, doorknobs, flushers,
faucets, phone, etc. else she may keep spreading it around (back to
herself) and if it's "weeping" pus, even more so.  Nail brush for under
the nails but not vigorous enough to break the skin.  Keep nails trimmed,
so nails can't scratch her. Was her tooth looked at? (in case it's
infected?)

If she goes to visit or you go there, ditto on the "high-alert hygiene"
for everyone.  Otherwise the antibiotics won't have a chance to zap it.
(is my understanding)...

Sending healing thoughts that this too will pass.
Hugs
J

emily@privacy.net said...

Update, in response to J's advice re hygiene with staph
infection and suchlike:

25th December 2004
"I do know about hygiene thanks.  Antibiotics kicking in now.  
Thanks for advice.  Can see to type this.  Arm warm, not hot.  
Face still swollen but that is surgery effect.
Em's Mum"

26th December 2004
"Swelling going down and eye much better"

Mother doesn't understand about setting up news accounts and
the like, and won't listen to a word I say about such things
(I'm only her daughter, so what would I know?), so it's
unlikely in the extreme that she'll ever post here herself.  
She does, however, seem to appreciate the care of the NG here
even if she's not interested in joining in, so I'll relay
messages as and when required.  Had to giggle a bit back
though - she rang me to tell me she'd emailed me, even though
she knows that I check my email several times a day :-)