MRSA Symptoms & Treatment: Recognizing and Addressing Methicillin-Resistant Staph Infections

Staph infections are caused by different strains of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The new staph infection is called MRSA or Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. This strain of staph can cause serious skin infections that can lead to death if not caught early and treated promptly.

MRSA

• The staph infection MRSA is more dangerous because it has built up immunity against the normal antibiotics (methicillin antibiotic) usually used to treat staph.

Can Be Fatal

• MRSA infections can be fatal if not caught and treated quickly.

First Stage Symptoms

• Symptoms start with red bumps on the skin. They may look similar to spider bites, pimples or boils. You may have a fever.

Second Stage Symptoms

• The infection site gets swollen, red, painful and hot to the touch. The center may abscess and fill with pus.

Advanced Symptoms

• The infection, if left untreated, can turn the skin black and necrotize (kill) the flesh. Additionally, the MRSA infection can cause more serious infections; such as pneumonia, bone and joint infections, infections in the bloodstream and heart and lung problems.

Prevention

• Wash your hands often; do not share towels, razors or anything that touched someone else's skin. Avoid touching someone else's wound or rash.