MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It is an intense organism that is known for developing into severe life threatening skin infections that can easily spread throughout the body. MRSA is a type of staph infection that is often times extremely resistant to most antibiotic treatments---making it difficult to confine and treat. Because MRSA is found worldwide no one is exempt from coming in contact with the bacteria. MRSA can be contracted through small cuts, abrasions, openings in the skin and direct contact with something an infected person or a carrier of MRSA has also touched. Keeping hands clean and washed will help prevent the spread of MRSA.
Cellulitus
While most MRSA starts off as a small scratch or open sore, it can quickly spread in a matter of hours. Cellulitus is a physical sign and symptom of a possible MRSA infection. Cellulitus is an infection of the area just underneath the skin affecting the subcutaneous tissue and the dermis. Cellulitus can also affect the fat under the skin. This sign of MRSA starts off as a series of small red bumps on the surface of the skin, usually on the legs, arms and trunk. As the condition spreads, redness, swelling, fever and blisters may occur. Any sudden sign of cellulitus or open sore on the body should be examined by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Sty
MRSA symptoms can include a sty, a small infection of the gland of the eyelid, which is often painful and red. Many sties that are not caused from MRSA will heal on their own without the assistance of an antibiotic. A sty affected by MRSA will progressively cause additional redness, swelling and an open sore in or around the sty. Any sty that does not heal on its own in a few days or gets progressively worse should be evaluated immediately by a physician to rule out MRSA.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a type of staph infection that can also be a sign of MRSA, or a way for MRSA to easily enter the body through an open sore. This is an uncomfortable condition in which blisters form in clusters on the skin. They may ooze pus, bleed and develop yellow covered crusts. This condition can easily spread and become uncontainable if it is MRSA and is resistant to antibiotics. Any cluster of open sores or small wounds should be evaluated as soon as possible by medical personnel and treated promptly and safely.
Boils and Abscesses
Boils and abscesses are conditions in which pus forms in hair follicles or underneath the skin. These generally start off as scratches or breaks in the skin. Exposed areas come into contact with the MRSA infection where it invades the wound and the infection develops. Boils and abscesses that spread, do not heal on their own or grow larger in size should immediately be evaluated for the MRSA infection so proper treatment can be established.
Advanced Stages
Once MRSA has been contracted it can often spread to other organs in the body---this is where it can reach a deadly phase. Seeking prompt medical attention once these symptoms surface can save lives. Some of the advanced symptoms of MRSA include a fever of over 100 degrees F, shortness of breath, head and joint pain and a rash that covers the body. Advanced MRSA can also spread to the bloodstream and cause septic shock---a life threatening condition. If any of these symptoms are present with or without a visible skin sore, immediate medical help is a priority and a lifesaving measure.
