Staphylococcus aureus, also known as staph, is a bacterium that can cause many types of illnesses, some that require no treatment and some that can be fatal. Staphylococci can be found in some people's nose and skin and doesn't cause any illness until the skin is injured and the bacteria get inside the wound.
MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus, also known as MRSA, is an infection that has become resistant to some antibiotics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MRSA can be classified as health care-associated MRSA or community-acquired MRSA. Health care-associated MRSA occurs when patients in hospitals or health care facilities develop MRSA. People who develop MRSA and are otherwise healthy and have not been in the hospital or had a medical procedure within the past year are considered to have community-acquired MRSA. All types of MRSA look the same, with bumps on the skin that are red, swollen, filled with pus, warm to the touch and painful, and the person will have a fever, reports the CDC. MRSA is spread through skin-to-skin contact and treatment may include antibiotics or the doctor may drain the sores.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that is also caused by Staphylococcus aureus. According to MayoClinic.com, red bumps appear around the nose and mouth that rupture and drain for a few days before healing over. These sores are not painful but do cause itching. Infants and children ages 2 to 6 years old are the most susceptible because their immune systems are still developing. Impetigo can be spread by contaminated clothing, bedding and direct contact with the person who has impetigo. According to MayoClinic.com, treatment depends on the severity of the infection. Keeping the skin clean can help heal the sores and prevent infections. Ointments and oral antibiotics can be prescribed if the infection is in multiple locations on the body or if the infection is severe.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome is a rare condition caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Toxic shock syndrome can occur if a person has a wound infection or develops an infection from surgery. Toxic shock syndrome can also develop when women use super-absorbent tampons during their periods. According to MayoClinic.com, signs and symptoms include a sudden high fever, low blood pressure, vomiting, a rash that appears on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet, confusion, muscle aches, seizures and headaches. Since toxic shock syndrome can be fatal, it is important to seek medical care immediately. People with toxic shock syndrome are admitted to the hospital where they receive IV antibiotics and doctors treat their symptoms and determine the source of the infection.
