It is normal to find Staph in the nose and the skin. The infectious form of the bacteria affects the skin and can result in severe infections. MRSA infections are mostly seen in a place where the skin is already broken, with a cut or sore. The infectious lesions can be seen in all parts of the body even under the hairs. The prevalence of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infection is common. MRSA was hospital acquired infection, which has changed its path to community-acquired infection. People with a weak immune system, elderly and contact of infected skin and through use of infected utensils, towels, etc. can transmit infection. The MRSA form of infection is transmitted through the direct touch of the infected site and the spread through infected hospital equipment. The bacteria find their way through cuts and abrasions. The incubation period varies from 1 day to 10 days. For the carriers incubation period can be indefinite.
What Are The First Signs Of MRSA?
MRSA lesions can be purulent, movable, compressible, and fluid-filled. The center of the fluid will be yellow or white with a pointed head. The pus may also start draining. The bumps under the skin are hard to touch. It grows rapidly and does not heal on its own. There will be increased pain, pus, and redness with time. The lesion will soon turn into shallow excavation with painful abscesses, which require surgical removal. The abscess which is confined to the skin may soon turn deep and infects internal organs. The infection is first seen on the skin, if left untreated the infections may get transferred to bones, joints, surgical wounds, the bloodstream, heart valves, and lungs. The invasive medical devices leave the bacteria directly into the bloodstream resulting in threatening infections.
The suspected infections boil or lesions should not be disrupted as it can worsen the infected wound and spread to other parts of the body and also fellow members around you. Visit the doctor as soon as possible to control infection. If the doctor prescribes you antibiotic, complete the advised prescription, even if the infection has subsided. The incomplete course of antibiotics might flare-up infection again in the worst from which would be difficult to treat.
People infected with MRSA should avoid cuts and abrasions and in case if you have broken skin keep it clean and covered with a bandage. The pus and exudates coming from the lesion may contain Staph. Wash your hands with antibiotic hand wash or alcohol-based hand rub.
It is important to differentiate between a Staph lesion and insect bites. The two may sound similar and the symptoms fade-off with time. But the infectious boils need antibiotic treatment to get rid of it. Staph lesions can also be misinterpreted as pimples.
If you find any painful and swollen lesions with drainage on the skin consult a doctor immediately. If the lesions are accompanied by fever, chills, severe headache check for systemic spread of infections. The doctor will examine the sore on the child’s body and does image testing of joints or bones for the spread of infection. MRSA has become resistant to antibiotics; home remedies can be used such as turmeric, apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, etc. to control the infection. If symptoms continue to persists then check with a doctor.
Conclusion
MRSA is a skin infection, where the bacteria invade the body from cuts and abrasions. There will be the formation of red, swollen and pus-filled blisters on the skin. The oozing blisters will have deep excavations. The temperature of the skin under the boil will be warm and painful to touch. Try to differentiate MRSA lesions from the spider bite, insect bites or pimples. Seek immediate medical attention as soon the symptoms appear to avoid complications of systemic infection.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). MRSA in Healthcare Settings https://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/healthcare/index.html
- Mayo Clinic. MRSA Infection https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mrsa/symptoms-causes/syc-20375336
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