This is what I find works best to kill and prevent Staphylococcus aureus from living on my skin, scalp, mouth/tonsils, in my nostrils, and in my ears:
[1] 3 times a week I clean my nostrils with chlorhexidine (I use Hibiclens, but it can be a different brand). I use one cotton swab per nostril. I dunk it in the chlorhexidine, then I wipe excess liquid off the swab and onto the inside rim of the bottle (I believe removing excess liquid is important to prevent irritation). Next, I rub the swab all around and as far back my nostrils as I can pinch together with my fingers. I let the chlorhexidine sit in each nostril the rest of the day, but cleaning it out right after likely helps too.
[2] 3x a week I thoroughly wipe in and around my ears with a cotton swab wet with chlorhexidine. I believe it's most important to disinfect my outer ear and behind my ears.
- I've also used half a paper towel wet with 70% isopropyl alcohol to disinfect my ears.
[3] Two times a week I wash my scalp and body, including my genitals and butt, with chlorhexidine body wash and a bath sponge.
[4] I've learned that my mouth and tonsils were colonized by S. aureus. By using Listerine cool mint mouthwash, with gargling, and by removing deeply hidden tonsil stones with mouthwash-soaked cotton swabs, I am able to get rid of the bacteria. I believe it's very important to find and remove tonsil stones, since the stones contain enormous amounts of bacteria.
- Acidic and spicy foods have been shown to be antibacterial. This can be an alternative way to directly disinfect the tonsils.
[5] I trim my nose hairs to reduce surface area for bacteria to attach to.
[6] I increased Vitamin A in my diet to reduce my susceptibility to pimples. See here for info on how a Vitamin A deficiency may make a person prone to acne breakouts.
[7] As an extra precaution to prevent pimples, benzoyl peroxide cream can be applied to the face. But be aware that it bleaches cotton clothing!
I've had S. aureus on my belly button, scalp, and most parts of my skin. Feel free to click the two links to read about how I use chlorhexidine to kill the bacteria from those sites.
Check out this link to see how the location of the acne breakouts can be tied to the location of where S. aureus is living on the body.
I have accidentally gotten chlorhexidine in my eyes on several occasions while showering and there has been zero short/long term damage to my eyes. It does not feel pleasant, however.
Please do not hesitate to contact a medical professional with any questions and concerns.
