Staph infections form from the staphylococcus bacteria. Staphylococcus bacterium is a germ commonly found on the skin that may cause mild to severe infections. People with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing staph infections. Staph infections commonly only cause skin irritations but may also invade the lung, heart and bloodstream, among other bodily functions. Symptoms of staph infection depend on the type of infection and may be life-threatening if not treated.
Hordeolum
Hordeolum is a staph infection of the eye, otherwise known as a stye. This form of staph infection develops when glands connected to the base of the eyelashes obstruct. Hordeolum causes a painful red bump around the eyelid and internal or external swelling. Approximately 95 percent of hordeolum result from staphylococcus bacteria. The condition may increase due to illness and poor hygiene, the New York University Langone Medical Center says.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin, dermis and subcutaneous tissue beneath the skin. Staph is the main bacteria involved in the infection of cellulitis. The infection can spread rapidly through the body. Symptoms of cellulitis consist of pain in the involved tissues, redness, swelling and warmth. The legs are the most common area of cellulitis, but the infection can appear anywhere on the body.
Impetigo
Impetigo is an infection on the surface of the skin caused by staphylococcus bacteria. Two form of impetigo exist--bullous and non-bullous. Bullous impetigo, caused by Staph bacteria, appears as scabs on the skin or small blisters around the face but also appear on other areas of the body. Non-bullous staph bacteria produce toxins between layers of the skin. Impetigo is contagious and spreads through direct contact with wounds, lesions or by nasal carriers.
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection, commonly caused by staphylococcus bacteria. The bacteria can enter the bones through open wounds, bloodstream and disrupted blood flow to the bones. Signs of osteomyelitis consist of red and swollen skin above the affected bones, pain, nausea and fatigue. There are more than 30 types of staphylococcus bacteria and each have different forms and symptoms, according to Medline Plus.
MRSA
MRSA or Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus is a strain of staph that's resilient or sensitive to most kinds of antibiotics. The Mayo Clinic says MRSA commonly occurs in people who have been to hospitals or widely populated settings. These infections commonly occur as skin infections such as boils and abscesses, and may lead to chronic illnesses. MRSA is very contagious and treated with specialized medications and agents to prevent spread of the infection.
