Is Staphylococcus Epidermidis contagious?
Staphylococcus epidermidis is found on the skin of everyone. It is not as virulent (able to cause infections) as S. aureus. An infection from S. epidermidis may occur from a break in the skin (cut, needle stick) or urinary catheter. People with lowered immunity would be vulnerable. In general a healthy person would not be subject to getting an infection from someone else. It would still be prudent to wash hands frequently, and to wear gloves if one had to change a dressing or come in contact with the infection site.
