Staphylococcus aureus, also known as staph, is a bacteria commonly found inside the nose or on the skin of about 1/3 of the population, according to the MayoClinic.com. Simply having staph bacteria in or on the body will not cause a person to become ill. Staphylococcus bacteria only become an issue when the bacteria gains entry into the bloodstream through a minor cut or wound. Different varieties of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria lead to many types of illnesses.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a skin infection that can be caused by Staph aureus. The National Institutes of Health explains that it is most common in children between the ages of 2 and 6. Impetigo rarely becomes serious. Symptoms often start with a red pimple-like sore surrounded by red or inflamed skin. The sores fill with pus and, after a few days, break open and form a crust or scab. The sores are often itchy but scratching them may cause the infection to spread. Physicians treat impetigo with topical antibiotic creams and oral antibiotics. In some cases, physicians may forgo antibiotics, instead choosing to keep the area clean and dry and allowing the infection to clear on its own.
MRSA
Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, also known as MRSA, is a strain of the Staph aureus that has become resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat a staph infection. MRSA infections commonly occur in the hospital or other health care settings such as nursing homes or dialysis centers. MRSA-related skin infections often start as small red bumps that rapidly become deep, painful abscesses. The abscesses often require surgical draining and a course of antibiotics. If the wounds are deep or tunneling, they may become life-threatening, infecting bones, joints, heart valves, lungs and the bloodstream. Physicians often start patients on an antibiotic that treats many illnesses until they confirm a MRSA diagnosis. Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, physicians commonly treat with the antibiotic vancomycin.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening complication commonly associated with the use of superabsorbent tampons. Toxic shock syndrome is most commonly a result of the staphylococcus aureus bacteria, according to the MayoClinic.com. Toxic shock syndrome is rare and occurs when women leave tampons in for too long, allowing bacteria to proliferate. If there is a tear in the vaginal lining then the bacteria may enter the bloodstream, causing fever; low blood pressure; vomiting and diarrhea; confusion; muscle aches; a rash; redness of the eyes, mouth and throat; seizures; headaches; and, in some instances, death. Physicians treat toxic shock syndrome with antibiotics for the bacteria as well as medications for low blood pressure.
