Diseases & Conditions > Disease > Staph Infection
Staph Infection Overview

Staph Infection Background:

A staph infection is caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. There are over 30 different kinds of this bacteria. usually, a staph skin infection is not particularly dangerous, especially if it is treated properly. However, there are times when one might find that a staph infection can cause dire consequences, especially if it turns into a methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. This kind can not be treated with the normal antibiotics that are used to treat a staph infection.

MRSA Origin:

A methicillin Staphylococcus aureus infection is a strong strain of the Staphylococcus auerus bacteria family that can resist the effects of antibiotics. There is debate over where this strain came from, but many believe that it is simply a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that became stronger than most antibiotics. There are still some antibiotics that can be used to treat it, although they do not always work on severe cases. An MRSA staph infection can be much more dangerous than a regular one.

Staph Infection Pictures:

If one looks at pictures of a staph infection, they might see red bumps of varying sizes. A staph infection might look like a burn, with skin hardening in the infected spot. Pictures of severe cases of staph infection will show that lesions or boils may form, which is a sign that the infection could be MRSA related. Usually, a staph infection will look like a blister. In fact, pus filled blisters might form. The staph infection may be contained to one spot, or spread and the pictures of one will reflect the severity of it.

MRSA Early Symptoms and Onset:

The first symptom that one will usually get if they have an MRSA skin infection is a yellow, pus filled boil. This boil will most likely be very painful. If an individual sees this near an open wound, they should go to a doctor immediately. The quicker one takes care of an MRSA infection, the better. Other early MRSA symptoms may be a hardening of the skin or a burnt feeling at the infected area.

Staph Infection Symptoms:

Staph infection symptoms and MRSA staph infection symptoms are nearly identical. The main difference is that a normal staff infection will clear up in an average of two to three days with treatment, while an MRSA staph infection will most likely get worse. It might even spread. Other common staph infection symptoms are red lumps, either on top of or under the skin.

Staph Skin Infection:

A staph skin infection is not difficult to get, since everyone has the Staphylococcus bacteria on their skin. A staph skin infection is usually not dangerous, although an untreated done can have harmful effects. Since staph skin infections are treatable, there is no excuse to let one become worse. It might be hard to tell which strain of bacteria the staph infection is from. Luckily, the same antibiotics and creams are used to treat most of them, except strains of MRSA.

Is a Staph Infection Contagious:

A staph infection, especially an MRSA infection is very contagious. Since it lives on the skin, it can be passed on in a number of ways. However, it is important to keep in mind that everyone has the Staphylococcus bacteria on their skin. Therefore, everyone is technically contagious. If the bacteria turns into an infection, an individual can pass it on with person-to-person contact.

Staph Infection Treatment:

To treat a staph infection, a doctor will usually prescribe a mixture of oral antibiotics along with an antibiotic cream. Both are every important to take. One should spread a layer of antibiotic cream onto the infected area after it has been washed and patted dry. The oral antibiotics should be taken as directed. With proper treatment, a normal staph infection should clear up in a matter of days.

Staph Infection on Face:

A staph infection on the face can be particularly troubling to people because of the way it looks. However, there is the benefit of the fact that the face will not be rubbing against any clothing, unlike other parts of the body. This exposure is beneficial in that way. On the other hand, it may be more difficult to treat a staph infection on the face because of the fact that it may be more difficult to cover areas of the face to protect it.

Description of MRSA:

MRSA, which stands for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a more dangerous, stronger strain of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. This type of staph infection is harder to treat since it resists most antibiotics. Unlike Staphylococcus, not everyone is a carrier of MRSA.

MRSA Fact Sheet:

Knowing basic facts about MRSA can help one try to prevent it; failing that, it may help an individual recognize it earlier thus ensuring more effective medical treatment. One important things to know about is treatment. Although MRSA can not be treated with regular antibiotics, there are some very strong antibiotics that can be used. However, even those do not work all of the time. If one notices a red, itchy boil forming near an open wound, they should seek immediate medical care to prevent further complications.

MRSA Prevention:

One can try to prevent MRSA by practicing proper hygiene techniques, like washing hands frequently. Personal effects such as soap, clothing and towels should also not be shared unless they are washed before and after use.

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